how many people seek medical treatment for pain

Full Answer

How many adults in the US have high-impact chronic pain?

This analysis extends previous national studies of chronic pain prevalence by identifying adults with high-impact chronic pain. In 2016, approximately 20% of U.S. adults had chronic pain (approximately 50 million), and 8% of U.S. adults (approximately 20 million) had high-impact chronic pain.

How much do you know about chronic pain?

Up to 30% of adults over 65 report suffering from chronic pain. 9. Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care. 10. Between 20% and 40% of children and adolescents experience chronic pain globally. 1. Chronic pain costs the US up to $635 billion every year.

Where can I find more information about chronic pain and management?

For more information about chronic pain and management, we’d recommend reading the American Chronic Pain Association’s Guide to Chronic Pain Management or visit the Chronic Pain Information Page on the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Institute for Chronic Pain (2017). What is Chronic Pain?

How common is pain medication use among older adults?

[8] The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 15% of Americans over the age of 65 use a prescription pain relief drug. Older adults are more likely to have additional health problems that can cause or complicate chronic pain.

What percentage of the population suffers from chronic pain?

Chronic pain is certainly a common issue. In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report that an estimated 50 million Americans, or just over 20 percent, have some form of chronic pain. This data came from the CDC's 2016 National Health Interview Survey .

How many people go through pain?

An estimated 20.4% (50.0 million) of U.S. adults had chronic pain and 8.0% of U.S. adults (19.6 million) had high-impact chronic pain, with higher prevalences of both chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain reported among women, older adults, previously but not currently employed adults, adults living in poverty, ...

How many people deal with chronic pain in the world?

Globally, it is estimated that about one in five, or about 1.5 billion people, suffer from chronic pain (CP), with prevalence increasing with age.

How common is pain?

Chronic pain is a very common condition, and one of the most common reasons why someone seeks medical care. Approximately 25% of adults in the United States experience chronic pain.

Do most people live in pain?

About 20 percent of American adults — 50.2 million people — live with chronic pain, saying they experience it most days or every day, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the health status of U.S. adults.

Does chronic pain shorten your life?

Chronic pain, defined as pain lasting for more than 12 weeks, or longer, can lower your lifespan if left untreated. Chronic pain includes a diagnosis such as arthritis, back pain, and recurring migraines, all of which can have a profound effect on a person's day to day life when left untreated.

Is chronic pain a global health issue?

By any measure, pain is an enormous global health problem. Globally, it has been estimated that 1 in 5 adults suffer from pain and that another 1 in 10 adults are diagnosed with chronic pain each year [1].

Why is it difficult to treat chronic pain?

“Treating chronic pain is challenging because of the complex nature of pain and unique nature of each sufferer. Therefore, a customized approach is required for best results. The first step is to appropriately identify the source of pain.

What is the treatment of pain?

pain medicines. physical therapies (such as heat or cold packs, massage, hydrotherapy and exercise) psychological therapies (such as cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques and meditation) mind and body techniques (such as acupuncture)

How much of the world's population is affected by chronic pain?

At least 10% of the world’s population is affected by chronic pain. 2. $77.8 billion is spent on chronic pain treatment globally. 3. In the poorest countries in the world, up to 25% of the population are suffering from chronic pain. Statistics about the Effects of Chronic Pain.

What is the most common chronic pain?

Low back pain is the most common type of chronic pain. At least 10% of the world’s population is affected by chronic pain. Chronic pain costs the US up to $635 billion ever year. 191 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed to patients in the US in 2017.

Why does chronic pain persist?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, explain that chronic pain persists because pain signals keep firing in the nervous system for long periods of time.

How does chronic pain affect people?

Statistics about the Effects of Chronic Pain. Chronic pain is debilitating. It causes chaos with sleep and can even lead to suicide – the statistics will make you shudder: 1. Approximately 25% of people with chronic pain will go on to develop Chronic Pain Syndrome (CPS).

How long does chronic pain last?

Interesting Facts about Chronic Pain. 1. Chronic pain can last for longer than six months and even for years. 2. Between 11% and 40% of US adults are living with chronic pain. 3. 1 in 5 US adults experienced chronic pain in 2016. 4. Chronic pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.

How does exercise help with pain?

Research has proven that regular exercise can help ease pain long-term, as it improves muscle tone, strength and flexibility. Exercise also causes a release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers .

What are the most common conditions that children experience?

The most common conditions they experience are musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and abdominal pain. Consequently, their families might experience emotional distress. Interestingly research suggests that how parents respond to their child’s pain may have a significant impact on the course of the child’s pain.

How many people have high impact chronic pain?

Approximately 8% of adults have high-impact chronic pain. ( source) Most (84%) of high-impact chronic pain patients are unable to work outside of the home. ( source) Chronic pain is the No. 1 cause of disability and disease burden globally. ( source)

Which is more likely to be a chronic pain patient with public health insurance?

Adults with public health insurance are more likely to report chronic pain than those with private health insurance. ( source) Chronic pain is associated with having a total family income of less than $25,000. ( source)

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain tends to fall within four broad categories: Back pain, headaches, neuropathic pain and joint pain. 80% of adults in the U.S. will experience back pain at some point in their life. ( source) More than 4 million people have chronic daily migraines. ( source) Chronic neuropathic pain affects 3% to 17% of adults. ( source)

What is the best treatment for pain in the brain?

Surgical Procedures: If you’re a candidate, your doctor may suggest surgery. Neurosurgeons are able to block the nerve pathways that carry pain signals to the brain, helping reduce discomfort. Anesthesia: Both regional and local anesthesia in the form of pain blockers or steroids are another option for pain management.

How long does chronic pain last?

Chronic pain is defined as persistent pain lasting at least three months. It has many underlying causes, from arthritis to cancer and more. It affects more than 50 million adults in the U.S. and costs the nation up to $635 billion annually.

Why is chronic pain increasing?

Chronic pain prevalence is expected to increase in the coming years due to the aging population, the increase in diabetes and the increase in cancer survival rates. As a result, chronic pain research and management will become increasingly important.

How many cancer patients live with chronic pain?

Approximately 75% of cancer patients live with chronic pain. ( source) Women report greater cancer pain severity than men. ( source) An estimated 40% of cancer patients experience neuropathic pain. ( source) Approximately 20% of lung cancer patients experience pain at the time of their diagnosis. ( source)

When should pain medication be monitored?

Once a pain medication is started, it should be monitored for effectiveness and side effects and the dosage or choice of treatment modified if the pain changes or the choice is deemed unsuitable or ineffective.

How long does chronic pain last?

Chronic pain is pain that has persisted for longer than six months and is experienced most days. It may have originally started as acute pain, but the pain has continued long after the original injury or event has healed or resolved. Chronic pain can range from mild to severe and is associated with conditions such as:

What is breakthrough pain?

Breakthrough pain is a sudden, short, sharp increase in pain that occurs in people who are already taking medications to relieve chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, cancer, or fibromyalgia.

What is the pain that feels like it is coming from one particular location?

Referred pain. This is pain that feels like it is coming from one particular location, but is the result of an injury or inflammation in another structure or organ. For example, during a heart attack, pain is often felt in the neck, left shoulder, and down the right arm.

What are the different types of pain?

There are many different types and causes of pain, and these can be grouped into eight different categories to help with pain management: Acute pain. Chronic pain.

When was the pain ladder invented?

However, this “Pain Ladder” was developed in 1986, and other medications that are not analgesics can also be effective at relieving pain. In addition, opioids should only be used for certain types of pain, because of their risk of addiction.

Is phantom pain real?

It is common in people who have had a limb amputated, but is different from phantom limb sensation, which is usually painless. Historically, Doctors believed phantom pain was a psychological problem but they now realize these are real pain sensations that originate in the spinal cord and brain.

What percentage of cancer patients have pain?

In a recent survey of people with cancer, 44 percent overall had experienced pain with the disease. This was the case for breast cancer (58 percent), colorectal cancer (41 percent), lung cancer (56 percent), multiple myeloma (100 percent), and prostate cancer (28 percent).

How can the ability to reduce pain’s impact on the public’s health be strengthened?

Seventh, the ability to reduce pain’s impact on the public’s health can be strengthened as a result of new knowledge generated by the nation’s vital research establishment through basic, clinical, and translational research; epidemiologic studies; and analysis of care patterns and costs.

Why is pain considered a public health challenge?

Pain can be conceptualized as a public health challenge for a number of important reasons having to do with prevalence, seriousness, disparities, vulnerable populations, the utility of population health strategies, and the importance of prevention at both the population and individual levels.

What are the factors that influence pain response?

However, differences in definitions of pain, disease severity, assessment, population characteristics (e.g., age), and physician management may confound these findings, inasmuch as pain response is influenced by complex interactions of numerous factors—biological, emotional, and cultural.

What antidepressants are used for pain?

Tricyclic anti depressants used in the treatment of chronic pain include amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor). Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) that may be prescribed to relieve chronic pain include duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR, Pristiq) and milnacipran (Fetzima, Savella).

How long can you be on opioids?

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that the odds you'll still be on opioids a year after starting a short course increase after only five days on opioids. Bottom line. Opioids are a last resort for chronic pain management.

What is the best medicine for back pain?

Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is usually recommended as a first line treatment for mild to moderate pain, such as from a skin injury, headache or musculoskeletal condition. Acetaminophen is often prescribed to help manage osteoarthritis and back pain.

What is the best pain reliever for a sprain?

NSAIDs are most effective for mild to moderate pain that's accompanied by swelling and inflammation. These drugs are commonly used for arthritis and pain resulting from muscle sprains, strains, back and neck injuries, or menstrual cramps.

Is chronic pain a serious health condition?

Chronic pain: Medication decisions. Chronic pain can limit your quality of life and lead to additional, serious health problems. Finding effective treatment is important — as is balancing pain relief with your safety. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Chronic pain is a serious health condition.

Can chronic low back pain be treated?

The serious consequences of chronic pain make finding effective treatment a critical goal. Unfortunately, this process is complex and uniquely personal. What works for one person's chronic low back pain may not offer any relief for your osteoarthritis, for a number of reasons.

What to do if you need pain medication?

If you require prescription pain medication, be sure to establish a formal and trusting relationship with a doctor and follow up with them regularly. This way, you do not find yourself in a situation where your health needs are perceived as something they are not, like drug-seeking behavior.

Why is managing pain a complex process?

This is because the potential for opioid abuse is very real. If you suspect you or a loved one is dependent on or addicted to opioids, please seek help from a physician.

How to show you have picked up pain meds?

Exhibit a high level of knowledge of controlled substances. Exhibit unusual behavior while in the waiting room. Go from doctor to doctor, or hospital to hospital, hoping that no records have been shared that would show they have picked up pain-relieving drugs from another place.

Why are doctors reluctant to prescribe more?

You know that a doctor may be hesitant to prescribe more, whether that means a higher dose, or a new, more effective drug. You're probably aware of the many reasons doctors are reluctant, or why they may just say "no.". There are strict laws your doctor must follow regarding controlled substances. 1 . Nonetheless, you are in pain, your pain is ...

Does Verywell Mind use peer reviewed sources?

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources , including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration.