Individuals with Chronic Pain Keep Quiet

The Americans Living with Pain Survey polled 800 individuals with chronic pain and found that they often denied their pain, delayed seeing a physician, and, when they did seek medical help, they tended to steer away from treatment. The survey was released May 6, 2004, from the American Chronic Pain Association.

The survey revealed that 72% of individuals with chronic pain have lived with it for >3 years, while a third have lived with it for >10 years. Also, 44% of those who have consulted a physician about the pain delayed doing so; 53% of those who eventually visited their physician did so because the pain was getting worse. Although respondents were hesitant about seeking medical help, the majority admitted that pain had a major impact on their lives. The survey also revealed the following:

• 1 in 6 said that it had negatively affected their careers
• 45% said that it had adversely impacted their personal relationships
• 51% of those employed said that it had affected their productivity