A network of centres can help with chronic pain

Efforts are being made to increase awareness of France’s network of more than 250 chronic pain centres – structures spécialisées douleur chronique, centres anti-douleur or centres de la douleur.

The centres cover a wide range of conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders, rheumatic pains and long-term discomfort following an operation.

Pain is considered chronic if it has been present for some time (usually at least six months), is not responding well to treatment and is causing difficulties in body function and people’s social relations.

Dr Sophie Laurent, from the pain treatment centre at the Gustave Roussy cancer hospital in Villejuif, south of Paris, said:

“We want people to be more aware of our existence, and for doctors to know they can refer patients to us.

“We also want to see an increase in the number of centres. Pain is often neglected, but is a real part of any illness or condition. Chronic pain is very, very common and can be extremely debilitating.”

Dr Laurent said her centre takes a multidisciplinary approach to the problem, which can include medication but also other types of treatment such as acupuncture and hypnosis.

“We work closely with different specialists, work out a treatment plan with the patient, and review it whenever necessary,” she said. “Sometimes we might see a patient only once or twice.

“For others, it can last for years. Each case is different, and we try to find out what will work for each individual, in their particular circumstances.

“Our job is to understand the pain and its cause and to remove that cause if possible. We cannot always succeed in getting rid of the pain completely, but we can help a person manage it better.”

Patients need a prescription from a doctor or specialist to make an appointment.

The centres are present in hospitals in every region and vary in size and speciality, but Dr Laurent says they are not well known by either the public or other medical practitioners. See here for a full list of centres.

They can take patients of all ages, but certain ones are particularly specialised in looking after children.

Dr Laurent is a member of SFETD, the Société Française d’Etude et Traitement de la Douleur.

In a 2019 study, the organisation found that 32% of people complained of daily pain which had lasted more than three months, 12 million people in France suffer from chronic pain, and more than 70% of those patients did not receive appropriate treatment or access to a psychologist if it is necessary.

SFETD called for better funding, alongside an increase in the number of centres.

It also said medical students should have more training in pain management.