Pain: What Do Doctors Need to Know?

Medical Education | Vol 6 | Issue 1 |  January-June 2026 | page: 6-8 | Ricardo Kobayashi, Carolina Besser Cozac Kobayashi, Lin Tchia Yeng, Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira

DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/jrs.2026.v06.i01.189

Open Access License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Copyright Statement: Copyright © 2026; The Author(s).

Submitted Date: 06 Feb 2026, Review Date: 19 Mar 2026, Accepted Date: April 2026 & Published: 30 June 2026

Author: Ricardo Kobayashi [1], Carolina Besser Cozac Kobayashi [1], Lin Tchia Yeng [1], Manoel Jacobsen Teixeira [1]

[1] Department of Neurology, Pain Center, University of Neurology, São Paulo, Brazil.
.

Address of Correspondence
Dr. Ricardo Kobayashi,
Department of Neurology, Pain Center, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
E-mail: koba@globo.com

Abstract

Pain is one of the leading causes of medical consultations and emergency department visits, making its accurate assessment and management essential components of quality healthcare. Pain can be classified according to duration, intensity, and pathophysiology, including nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic, and mixed mechanisms. Chronic pain represents a major public health challenge because of its high prevalence and its impact on physical and psychological functioning. A comprehensive evaluation based on medical history, physical examination, and appropriate use of complementary studies is crucial for establishing an accurate diagnosis and guiding treatment. Mechanical and inflammatory pain patterns, comorbidities, mood disorders, and functional impairment should be considered during assessment. Multimodal pain management addresses the multifactorial nature of pain through pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Pharmacological options include non-opioid analgesics, opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, nutraceuticals, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and topical agents, with treatment tailored to the underlying pain mechanism and individual patient characteristics. Opioids should be used cautiously, particularly in chronic pain, with clearly defined functional goals. Non-pharmacological interventions, including physical rehabilitation, exercise, postural education, pain neuroscience education, and mind-body approaches, are fundamental for restoring function and improving quality of life. Effective pain management prioritizes functional recovery and reduction of suffering rather than complete pain elimination, emphasizing individualized, mechanism-based, and multidisciplinary approaches.
Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, Chronic pain, Mixed pain, Neuropathic pain, Pain management.

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