Introduction

Abstract

Severe, protracted pain defying control is being seen with increasing frequency as a symptom of chronic disease. It accompanies many, mostly serious, disorders in various organs and parts of the human body, making the sufferer’s life increasingly intolerable. It no longer fulfills its mission of warning signal of disease present, protecting health, but on the contrary arises as an important factor in systematically reducing and preparing the final collapse of the defensive forces of the body, both in the somatic and psychic spheres. It can surprise nobody that patients tormented and plagued by severe pain do not wish to live under conditions primarily caused by incurable disease, and are looking forward longingly to their release by death, if no help is forthcoming. Attempts to control such pain are, therefore entirely justified, necessary and logical.