Pain management aims to enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain by modulating its intensity through multidisciplinary approaches.¹

Pain is not merely a symptom—it’s a condition that can significantly affect both physical and mental well-being, impacting mobility, sleep, work productivity, and overall quality of life.² As a result, individuals with chronic pain often experience additional issues such as anxiety and depression.² Moreover, chronic pain represents a global public health challenge, contributing to substantial social and economic costs, both direct and indirect, for national healthcare systems.³

Effective pain management therefore involves adopting a range of therapeutic strategies, combining a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach.¹

These strategies may include:

• Pharmacological treatment: the use of analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and medications for neuropathic pain.¹ However, it is essential to balance their use against the potential risk of side effects.¹
• Physical and rehabilitative therapies: physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, massage, and relaxation techniques can be effective in managing pain.¹
• Psychological support: psychological counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can significantly improve the quality of life for patients with chronic pain.¹,⁴
• Complementary techniques: mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture may provide additional benefits.¹

Nutrition also plays a key role in supporting the well-being of those with chronic pain. Specific dietary patterns can help reduce inflammation and support the management of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis.⁵ In particular, diet may help lower the incidence of chronic illness, especially among the elderly.⁵

Menarini’s commitment to Pain Management

The Menarini Group has long been committed to the research and development of innovative solutions that support patient well-being, offering targeted treatments for pain management.

Through continuous scientific research and collaboration with medical specialists, Menarini aims to expand and improve therapeutic options by providing safe and effective medicines.

In addition, Menarini supports clinical studies and the ongoing education of healthcare professionals through medical-scientific outreach. This includes engaging international experts and launching initiatives to train emerging talents in the field of pain management.

These efforts include high-profile scientific events such as Roma Pain Days (RPD25)—a congress entirely dedicated to pain management, bringing together leading experts to explore the latest developments in the field. The event will take place in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and online participation, and will feature interactive “Meet-the-Expert” sessions designed to encourage in-depth discussions. Menarini will participate as the main sponsor with a dedicated scientific session led by international experts.

Roma Pain Days also presents an excellent opportunity for young researchers under the age of 40 with a scientific interest in Pain Medicine. Through the Paolo Procacci Foundation—a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting initiatives in pain management and organizer of the event—a series of awards will be offered to young scientists to support research projects aimed at improving the lives of patients affected by chronic pain.

Pain management is a complex challenge that requires a personalized and carefully tailored approach. Thanks to the commitment of companies like Menarini, ongoing research and innovation in this field continue to offer patients new and better opportunities to improve their health and well-being.

References

1. Takai Y, Yamamoto-Mitani N, Abe Y, Suzuki M. Literature review of pain management for people with chronic pain. Japan J Nurs Sci. 2014. 
2. Kawai K, Kawai AT, Wollan P, Yawn BP. Adverse impacts of chronic pain on health-related quality of life, work productivity, depression and anxiety in a community-based study. Fam Pract. 2017.
3. Hadi MA, McHugh GA, Closs SJ. Impact of Chronic Pain on Patients’ Quality of Life: A Comparative Mixed-Methods Study. J Patient Exp. 2018. 
4. Eccleston C, Morley SJ, Williams AC. Psychological approaches to chronic pain management: evidence and challenges. Br J Anaesth. 2013.
5. Varrassi G, et al. The drug called food and its role as a therapy for chronic patients: a comprehensive narrative review,  Advancements in Health Research 2024