What Is Pain? – Why Treat Pain?

Headaches, back ailments, and arthritis are the leading causes of pain. If you’re living with chronic pain, you’re not alone. Consider these pain facts:

• Approximately 45 million Americans suffer from debilitating headaches.
• Nearly 40 million Americans suffer from arthritis pain.
• The vast majority of Americans, as many as 85%, will suffer from back pain at some point.
• Back pain is the most common cause of disability in people under 45.

Unfortunately, pain is a seriously undertreated problem. About 75% of pain sufferers do not receive adequate treatment.

Untreated or poorly managed pain puts people at risk for depression, irritability, fatigue, and an overall diminished quality of life. About 33% of Americans in pain experience sleep loss. Pain and related sleep loss may affect people’s ability to work, take care of their families, socialize, exercise, and participate in activities they enjoy. Treating pain is an important step in regaining control over quality of life.