Introduction to Pain
Many Americans Suffer from Chronic Pain
Psychosocial Effects of Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain is Expensive
Two Types of Pain
Chronic Pain Treatment Alternatives

When pain persists (or recurs) for more than six months, it is said to be chronic and normal activities can become severely restricted or even impossible. Chronic pain may stem from an initial injury that has long since healed. Or, it may have an ongoing cause such as arthritis, cancer or infection.

Chronic pain often produces various harmful psychosocial effects including fear, anxiety, interference with work, decreased self-esteem, and problematic relationships. The physical effects of pain can include increased heart rate and blood pressure, increased blood sugar, decreased digestive activity, and reduced blood flow.

Consider these facts:

• Approximately five million Americans are disabled by back problems¹
• Chronic back pain accounts for 100.6 million workdays lost for men alone¹
• At least 40 million Americans suffer from chronic recurrent headaches and spend $4 billion per year on medication¹
• An estimated eight million people in the U.S. experience chronic facial and neck pain¹

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Psychosocial Effects of Chronic Pain

Whatever its cause, chronic pain is real, unrelenting and demoralizing. People with chronic pain often cannot work. Their families and social lives may deteriorate as their total preoccupation with pain leads to a downward spiral of irritability and depression.

The psychosocial effects of chronic pain may include:

• Loss of employment and income
• Depression, fear, anxiety
• Isolation
• Sleep disorders
• Marital and family dysfunction

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Chronic Pain Is Expensive

According to a survey by Medical Data International¹, chronic pain is a costly health problem. Consider the following:

• Back pain costs between $50 and $100 billion.
• Cancer pain costs of care are estimated at $12 billion per year.
• Americans spend $4 billion per year on medications for chronic recurrent headaches per year in health care.
• The estimated cost for treating recurrent facial and neck pain is approximately $1.9 billion per year.

Introduction to Pain
Many Americans Suffer from Chronic Pain
Psychosocial Effects of Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain is Expensive
Two Types of Pain
Chronic Pain Treatment Alternatives