A rising number of individuals in the US, including seniors, are grappling with chronic pain, as its persistent grip continues to affect more people. Experts are working tirelessly to uncover the root causes, but answers remain elusive.
In 2023, 24.3% of adults across the country reported suffering from chronic pain lasting over three months—up from 20.4% in 2016.
Dr. Sean Mackey, co-author of the CDC’s analysis and a professor at Stanford School of Medicine, calls this trend “an astounding and growing public health crisis.”
While experts have some theories about why this increase is happening, they all agree that more research is necessary to understand the full scope of the problem.
Key Takeaways
Chronic pain is becoming a growing public health crisis in the US, affecting 24.3% of adults, with experts attributing it to an aging population, COVID-19 pandemic, and limitations in opioid management.
- Experts believe that addressing chronic pain requires a multifaceted approach that includes compassionate care, ongoing research, and public education.
- The growing rates of diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases are contributing factors to the increase in chronic pain cases.
- Aging adults often require individualized treatment approaches due to age-related changes in metabolism and comorbidities, making it essential to adopt a holistic strategy for managing their pain.
Aging population contributes to chronic pain epidemic
The aging demographic is widely considered a major factor behind the rising prevalence of persistent discomfort in the the country. As the population ages, the number of people experiencing ongoing pain continues to grow.
Dr. Mackey suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have worsened the situation, further intensifying the issue.
The denial of prescription analgesic medication to chronic pain patients has caused unnecessary suffering
Red Lawhern
“The pandemic led to delays in health care access and surgeries, increased sedentary lifestyles and heightened mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, all of which are associated with chronic pain,” he stated.
Other potential factors include the growing rates of diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases, which can increase an individual’s risk of developing long-term pain.
The impact of opioid management and limitations
The changing landscape of opioid management may also be a contributing factor to the growth in chronic pain cases.
In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced revised guidelines for healthcare providers prescribing opioids to individuals with prolonged non-cancer-related pain. These new guidelines capped dosages and required providers to use the Morphine Milligram Equivalent Daily Dose (MMED) to convert various opioids into a comparable measure of morphine.
While these guidelines aimed to reduce opioid misuse, some specialists believe they have inadvertently led to inadequate pain relief for many patients, particularly seniors. Age-related changes in metabolism and an increased likelihood of comorbidities mean older adults often require individualized treatment approaches that balance efficacy and safety.
Dr. Charles Argoff, president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, and Dr. Antje Barreveld, president-elect, both voiced concerns that the limitations prevent many individuals, both young and old, needing chronic pain care from accessing it.
In their email to MedPage Today, they stated that persistent pain rates will continue to rise unless there is a shift in how optimal care is delivered. They also noted that fear of opioids and misconceptions about non-medication pain relief options have caused many healthcare providers to hesitate in treating chronic pain.
The value of care and education
Experts stress the importance of compassion and education when addressing persistent discomfort, especially for seniors who often face unique challenges in managing the issue.
Nurse practitioner Cindie Dodenbier works to raise awareness about chronic discomfort and encourages individuals, including older adults, to seek appropriate treatments. Unfortunately, many people suffering from this health challenge face stigma or fear seeking help due to misconceptions surrounding addiction.
Red Lawhern, a national chronic pain advocate, highlights that unintentional overdose fatalities often occur when individuals self-medicate by mixing prescription drugs with alcohol or illicit substances. This underscores the need for greater compassion and understanding for those battling chronic pain.
To effectively address the challenges faced by individuals dealing with chronic pain, it is crucial to explore several key areas of focus.
Raising awareness and addressing stigma
Dr. Mackey and other experts emphasize that addressing the complexities of long-term pain is critical to providing adequate care and support, especially for the senior population. As no clear solution emerges, it remains essential to continue researching and understanding the causes of this growing public health crisis.
Collaboration is key to ensuring that people living with pain receive the compassion, education, and treatment they deserve, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of aging adults.
Experts urge the public to become better informed about the health challenge’s impact on daily life, including understanding the rights of those affected and advocating for better access to care and support services.
The need for multifaceted care
A multifaceted approach is necessary, one that includes developing more effective treatments, improving access to care, and increasing public awareness of this escalating health crisis.
Experts and communities should work toward a future where individuals with continuous pain are supported, understood, and empowered to manage their conditions effectively.
In the meantime, healthcare providers must continue to innovate and find new ways to offer compassionate care to those struggling with the issue, whether young or old.
Advancing research and advocacy
As a society, there is a collective responsibility to address the growing health crisis of persistent pain.
The process begins with educating the public and advocating for improved availability of care and support services. Through unified action, positive change can be achieved, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by ongoing pain.
In addition to education and advocacy, continued research into the root causes of persistent discomfort remains essential.
Addressing chronic pain requires a holistic approach
To effectively address long-term pain, experts stress the importance of a holistic approach that incorporates physical, emotional, and social dimensions. This comprehensive strategy goes beyond treating the physical symptoms to include the mental health impacts that often accompany chronic pain.
Several critical areas need attention to ensure individuals, especially seniors, receive the care and support necessary to manage this ongoing health challenge.
Improving access to comprehensive treatment
Improving availability of care and support services ensures individuals have the comprehensive treatment options they need.
Dr. Mackey emphasizes that a multifaceted approach requires cooperation among healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocacy groups to develop innovative solutions.
By joining forces, they can tackle the complexities of chronic pain and explore alternative therapies and treatments that may offer new hope for those suffering from it.
Prioritizing compassion, education, and research
As understanding of continual pain deepens, it’s critical to prioritize compassion, education, and research to address this urgent issue. A strategy that considers the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the health issue can create a more supportive environment for those grappling with the condition.
What is clear is we have an astounding and growing public health crisis of chronic pain
Dr. Sean Mackey
With the problem continuing to rise, it is vital for the community to come together, offering empathy, understanding, and effective treatments to help alleviate this debilitating condition.
Collective action for a brighter future
Focused efforts on education, advocacy, and research have the potential to significantly improve the lives of those affected.
Tackling persistent pain requires a unified approach, drawing on collective action from healthcare professionals, scientists, lawmakers, and those personally affected by this widespread health crisis.
By working together, they can build a society that offers unwavering support, empowering resources, and personalized treatment options for those living with chronic pain.
Conclusion
Chronic pain is rapidly becoming a public health crisis, with its prevalence continuing to rise. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that combines compassionate care, ongoing research, and public education.
A collective effort by healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and researchers is essential to developing innovative solutions and improving access to comprehensive treatment options, particularly for seniors, because persistent pain often affects older adults differently.
This age group may experience multiple, overlapping health conditions that complicate the management of pain, making it critical to adopt a holistic, comprehensive strategy.
By deepening the understanding of chronic pain’s complexities, society can offer better support, helping those affected manage their conditions more effectively and ultimately improving their quality of life.
