Chronic pain is divided into two categories with significantly different treatment needs:
Simple chronic pain affects daily life to a lesser degree and typically responds well to treatments such as exercise, massage or acupuncture, which can provide relief for shorter or longer periods.
Complex chronic pain, on the other hand, has major consequences for everyday life. The pain is often more widespread, may shift location in the body, and patients tend to show increased pain sensitivity. This is often accompanied by other challenges such as sleep disturbances, concentration and memory difficulties, mood changes and work-related problems.
At Anodyne Care, we understand that complex chronic pain cannot be solved with a single form of treatment. Our team of doctors and specialists work together to address both the pain and the associated challenges through personalized, holistic treatment plans.
Chronic pain conditions can be divided into three main types:
Symptoms and consequences
Chronic pain often leads to a range of consequences that extend far beyond the pain itself. Research shows a strong link between chronic pain and fatigue - many patients experience constant exhaustion that is not relieved by rest. This fatigue arises both from the body’s continuous struggle against the pain and from the sleep disturbances that often accompany it.
The psychosocial effects of chronic pain can be just as burdensome as the pain itself. Many develop anxiety, stress, depression and social isolation as everyday activities become difficult or impossible. Work capacity is often affected, and family relationships may be strained by the ongoing challenge.
Integrated care provides better quality of life
The evidence is clear: the best approach to chronic pain is integrated care that addresses not only the pain but also the psychosocial challenges that shape daily life. At Anodyne Care, we therefore combine medical treatments with psychological support and lifestyle interventions to improve overall quality of life.
Chronic pain can occur anywhere in the body, but it most commonly affects the joints of the hips and knees, as well as the back and shoulder/neck area. When pain occurs in one location, people often compensate by moving differently to protect the painful area, which increases the risk of developing pain elsewhere.
Chronic leg pain can be particularly limiting, as it affects walking ability and overall mobility. Such pain often arises from conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, nerve damage, infections, circulatory problems or prolonged physical strain.
When surgery leaves lasting pain
During surgical procedures, some degree of nerve damage almost always occurs, and recent studies suggest that persistent nerve injury is a key factor in the development of chronic pain after surgery.
The frequency of patients who develop chronic postoperative pain varies between 10% and 60%, depending on the type of surgery, often as a result of nerve damage or scar tissue formation.
No one is immune to chronic pain
Around 26 percent of Danes - equivalent to 1.2 million people - live with chronic pain. The risk increases with age, but pain can occur at any stage of life. It is invisible to others and can manifest in many different ways, making life with chronic pain both complex and highly individual.
At Anodyne Care, we understand this complexity and therefore tailor each treatment plan to the patient’s unique life situation and personal goals to ensure the most effective and meaningful care.
At Anodyne Care, we work with a holistic approach to chronic pain, addressing both body and mind. Our multidisciplinary team consists of specialists from different fields who collaborate to create individual, multimodal treatment plans.
The treatments combine pharmacological, psychological and complementary methods to ensure a comprehensive approach that not only alleviates symptoms - but strengthens the whole person.
Pharmacological treatments
At Anodyne Care, pharmacological pain management for chronic pain is always part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Our approach is based on official treatment guidelines and evidence-based practice, following the principle of starting with the mildest medications and only escalating when necessary. The focus is on avoiding unnecessary medication use while ensuring optimal pain relief.
Treatment requires continuous evaluation of both effect and possible side effects, allowing us to adjust the approach together with the patient to achieve the best possible balance between pain relief and quality of life.
Psychological treatments
Psychological pain treatment is a central part of modern pain therapy, focusing on changing the patient’s experience of pain. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, unhelpful thought and behavior patterns that often amplify the perception of pain are identified and restructured.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques are often used as supplements, helping patients learn to observe and accept the pain without becoming overwhelmed. This approach strengthens self-regulation, increases resilience to pain, and reduces the emotional strain that comes with living with chronic pain.
In addition, psychological treatment can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often closely linked to long-term pain. The goal is to provide patients with practical tools to cope with chronic pain, improve quality of life, and strengthen motivation to engage actively in the overall treatment process.
Supplerende og alternative behandlinger
Non-pharmacological pain treatment focuses on activating the body’s own healing processes and strengthening the patient’s ability to manage pain through targeted interventions.
At Anodyne Care, complementary treatments may include acupuncture, physiotherapeutic exercise, massage, and chiropractic care. These approaches can reduce muscle tension, increase mobility, and improve overall function - all important components of effective chronic pain management.
Another treatment option is medical cannabis, which may be included in the treatment plan in the form of cannabis oil or CBD products. After an extended trial period in Denmark, this treatment option has now been made permanent, as many patients have experienced pain relief, reduced nausea, and improved quality of life.
Treatment is always offered as a supplement to conventional pain management and is carried out under close supervision and professional follow-up by specialists.
Chronic pain affects far more than the pain experience itself - it has extensive effects on the body, mind, and life as a whole. Persistent pain impacts the nervous system, promotes inflammation, and can cause stress, while also having significant social and economic consequences.
The nervous system, inflammation and stress
Persistent chronic pain can affect the nervous system and lead to hypersensitization of both peripheral and central structures. In some individuals, chronic pain is associated with inflammation, which can amplify pain signals. Even after the original injury has healed, the nervous system may remain sensitive, causing the pain to persist.
Chronic pain can also increase stress, which affects the autonomic nervous system. This can create a vicious cycle: pain intensifies stress and biological responses, which in turn worsen the pain. In this way, the combination of pain, inflammation and stress can lead to a self-reinforcing process that keeps the body in a state of chronic pain.
Social consequences and work ability
Chronic pain often affects many aspects of life beyond the pain itself. It can make it difficult to participate in social activities, maintain relationships, and engage in hobbies, which may lead to isolation and reduced quality of life. Many also experience increased stress and emotional strain, affecting both the patient and their loved ones.
Long-term pain can also have direct consequences for work ability. Chronic pain may limit the capacity to perform daily tasks, and in some cases, it can lead to early retirement. The link between chronic pain and early retirement is well documented, as persistent pain often results in functional impairment that makes regular employment difficult and affects financial stability.
We treat the person, not just the pain
At Anodyne Care, we view chronic pain as a complex interaction between the body, nervous system, stress, and psychological factors. Our approach is holistic and interdisciplinary: doctors, psychologists, and specialists work together to create individual treatment plans that not only relieve pain but also address the challenges it brings to everyday life.
We combine evidence-based medical treatments with psychological support, physical training, and complementary therapies, ensuring that each patient receives a comprehensive and integrated approach.
Our goal is not just symptom relief, but to help patients regain function, resilience, and quality of life. At Anodyne Care, every patient receives a personalized treatment plan that strengthens both body and mind - enabling them to live a meaningful life despite chronic pain.