Chronic Pain

Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars - Kahlil Gibran

Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain

image by: International Pain Foundation

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What is chronic pain and why is it hard to treat?

A recent study by the National Institutes of Health found that more than one in three people in the United States have experienced pain of some sort in the previous three months. Of these, approximately 50 million suffer from chronic or severe pain.

To put these numbers in perspective, 21 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, 14 million have cancer (this is all types of cancer combined) and 28 million have been diagnosed with heart disease in the U.S. In this light, the number of pain sufferers is stunning and indicates that it is a major epidemic.

But unlike treatments for diabetes, cancer and heart disease, therapies for pain have not really improved for hundreds…

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 What is chronic pain and why is it hard to treat?

The fact is, however, that opioids are used to treat chronic pain not because they are the ideal treatment, but because for some patients, despite their drawbacks, they are the most effective treatment available at the moment. The problem, as I see it, is this: we are not investing enough in researching and teaching what causes pain and how to treat it.

National Pain Report

The National Pain Report is the leading online news site dedicated to the coverage of chronic pain. We feature the latest developments in the treatment of chronic pain, public policy impacting chronic pain as well comments from leading pain specialists and columns from chronic pain sufferers.

Chronic Pain Lifestyle

Life begins anew when you suffer with chronic pain. As our lives change, we also change. Many of these changes are difficult and frustrating.

Institute for Chronic Pain

Changing the culture of how chronic pain is treated by promoting the theory and practice of chronic pain rehabilitation.

International Pain Foundation

International Pain Foundation (iPain) is your Power of Pain headquarters. We recognize the value of every person who makes up the chronic pain community. We are guided by our commitment to excellence, leadership and patient empowerment.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Clinical investigators have tested chronic pain patients and found that they often have lower-than-normal levels of endorphins in their spinal fluid. Investigations of acupuncture include wiring the needles to stimulate nerve endings electrically (electroacupuncture), which some researchers believe activates endorphin systems

U.S. Pain Foundation

Typically, pain is considered chronic when it persists for six months or more. But for some patients, chronic pain can last for years or even a lifetime. There are many possible causes for long-term pain, including injury, such as involvement in a car accident, or underlying disorders or diseases, like fibromyalgia or arthritis.

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