臺北醫學大學 臺北神經醫學中心 校級神經醫學研究中心

     
       Chronic pain is a unique condition because pain is a symptom, and it doesn't immediately indicate the underlying cause. In fact, research suggests that only 60% of individuals with chronic pain receive appropriate treatment, with 40% receiving fragmented care. Therefore, the Pain Management Team at the Neuroscience Center employs various methods to treat patients with chronic pain.

       Pain differs from other diseases primarily because the source of pain is diverse, requiring careful and cautious management. Common diseases include chronic musculoskeletal pain, degenerative spine conditions, spinal osteoarthritis, and neuropathic pain like sciatica and peripheral neuropathy. Central pain syndromes, such as fibromyalgia and myofascial pain, are also the scope of conditions that the pain management teams deal with.

       Fibromyalgia is a less common yet often misunderstood condition encountered by the Pain Disorder Team. It is a widespread pain disorder that primarily affects women aged 20 to 70. It is occasionally misdiagnosed as depression or hypochondria, leading to its negligence. Symptoms include widespread pain in areas such as the shoulders, neck, back, or hips, as well as disrupted sleep patterns, resulting in daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating on work or study. Occasionally, it may also be accompanied by autonomic nervous system dysfunction affecting the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.In terms of treatment, in addition to conventional pharmacotherapy for acute and chronic conditions, the Pain Management Team also offers non-pharmacological and interventional therapies such as injections, radiofrequency ablation, and neuromodulation techniques. Given that chronic pain can affect sleep and lead to depression and insomnia, the team also provides psychological therapy.

       For the Pain Disorder Team, restoring patients' confidence and reintegrating them into society is paramount. Chronic pain affects various aspects of life, potentially leading to functional impairment and social withdrawal among elders. Therefore, the team employs a multidisciplinary approach, including rehabilitation therapists who assist patients in identifying alternative movements to reduce the impact of pain on daily life. Mental health is also essential, with psychologists guiding patients on maintaining good sleep quality and self-care during periods of depression or anxiety. Additionally, the team collaborates on newer treatments like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), aiming to improve patients' pain, sleep, and mood.