Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner, spokesperson for the Centre for Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine (ZiS) and chair pain medicine, and Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer, consultant at the Neurological Clinic and Polyclinic, spent 90 minutes answering questions on all aspects of chronic pain. In a short introductory lecture, the two experts first presented the latest findings and developments in the diagnosis and treatment of migraine and chronic pain in general. Chronic pain is no longer an inevitable fate, but can be favourably influenced by a variety of therapeutic approaches.
Interdisciplinary Multimodal Therapy and Pain Research
This therapy is offered at the ZiS in general and individual therapy modules. The Clinical Research Group KFO5001 ResolvePain, which is established here at the University Hospital under the direction of the speakers and is actively conducting pain research, also contributes to the fact that pain therapy in Würzburg – especially for fibromyalgia and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – is focus in research and treatment. In ResolvePIAN, there are already initial indications of what constitutes a favourable prognosis for CRPS.
After the presentations, participants had the opportunity to ask their personal questions – an offer that was taken up enthusiastically. With almost 100 questions in the chat, the focus was particularly on the new migraine therapies with CGRP antagonists, as well as on medical and non-medical treatment methods.
A resounding success – to be continued
The initiators and organisers of the evening consultation rated the inaugural event as an enormous success. The high number of participants and the great interest in the topic show how relevant public education about chronic pain is. Participants particularly praised the combination of in-depth information and the opportunity for direct exchange with the experts.
The ZiS, the University Hospital and the self-help representative Gabriele Nelkenstock are therefore planning to continue the format. The aim is to offer those affected and interested parties constant access to current research results and to promote the exchange between medicine and the public.
