Abstract
The article begins with a brief history of pain models, concentrating on the development from dualistic models (based on somatogenic or psychogenic origins of pain) to biopsychosocial approaches. It further describes the background of the development of biopsychosocial models of pain, which set the framework for the modern concept of an interdisciplinary chronic pain treatment.
The second part of the article briefly reviews and discusses the main components of an interdisciplinary pain management programme and the important role of the nurse in the team. The article finally emphasises education in nursing, which should follow an interdisciplinary approach to pain management.