[Pain in society and in medicine]

Author(s): Kocher, R.

Journal/Book: Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. 1993; 82: 255-9.

Abstract: Pain as a psychophysical experience and in particular its treatment have always been--and are particularly nowadays--an essential problem in medicine. Beyond that pain has a multitude of connections to human existence. The phenomenon of pain appears in almost all areas of art (painting, sculpture, music and poetry), philosophy and the religions. In the arts pain and its expression is often proof of the noblest esthetic-spiritual creativity; in medicine on the other hand it touches only the depth of human existence, then, when severe, chronic pain leads to disintegration of personality. From these propositions emerges that pain is not only sensed but is also a sentiment. Both belong together in an inseparable act of passive acceptance and active creative experience. Whereas the phenomenon of pain has earlier been seen in its alternative respective components such as physical or spiritual, it is in modern times, following the holistic perception of medicine, regarded as complementary. This complementary view is also the basis for the various forms of combined pain-treatment in use today.

Note: Schmerz in der Gesellschaft und in der Medizin.

Keyword(s): Culture ; English Abstract; Philosophy Medicine in Art; Pain psychology; Paintings ; Social Perception Human

Zurück | Weiter