Journal of Pain & Relief
Open Access

Abstract

This presentation is about chronic pain that has no known substrate, which is a well-known major problem worldwide and for which there is no real solution. The condition is severely debilitating with major psychosocial and economic consequences. This is actually quite amazing considering the history has given indications, and sometimes even more than that, to further research a variety of hypotheses. Here is where science is cutting off its nose to spite its own face: Research and scientific discoveries are considered to be obsolete or "out of date" after two to five years. Regular evaluation of old studies never or hardly ever takes place in the "rat race" of premiers. This presentation is such an evaluation in a nutshell where the past, present and future is tied together briefly, because one hundred years of chronic pain has to be summarized in 20 minutes. There is still hope.

Biography

Henk van der Veen graduated as a Medical Doctor at University of Groningen, the Netherlands in 1972. He worked as Family Physician in a practice with another physician until 1991. He worked as Pain Researcher since 1975. Since 1980, he has been pioneer in infrared thermography for conditions with chronic pain, in particular chronic pain without an identifiable substrate. He is now Occupational Physician since 1991