smärtsyndrom

Smärtsyndrom, or chronic pain syndrome, is a term used in Swedish healthcare to describe persistent pain that lasts beyond normal tissue healing and cannot be fully explained by tissue damage alone. It reflects a biopsychosocial condition in which biological, psychological, and social factors interact to maintain pain.

Patients may report pain that is widespread or localized, often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbance, concentration difficulties, and mood changes. Pain can be fluctuating and may be amplified by stress, physical activity, or emotional factors. Functional limitations and reduced quality of life are common.

Smärtsyndrom includes several subtypes and related conditions, such as fibromyalgia, chronic widespread pain, complex regional pain syndrome, neuropathic pain syndromes, and functional pain syndromes (for example some headaches, temporomandibular disorders, and irritable bowel syndrome).

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and history, with an emphasis on the duration, distribution, and impact of pain, while screening for other medical causes. Clinicians often use criteria for specific syndromes and assess psychosocial factors that can influence pain, such as sleep, mood, and coping strategies.

Treatment is typically multidisciplinary and personalized. Core components include education, physical activity and graded exercise, physical therapy, and pain psychology techniques. Pharmacological options may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and antidepressants or anticonvulsants for neuropathic components. Opioids are generally avoided as first-line therapy, and interventional or neuromodulatory approaches may be considered in select cases.

Prognosis varies. With multidisciplinary management, function and quality of life can improve, though pain may persist for years. Ongoing research aims to better understand mechanisms such as central sensitization and to refine treatment strategies.