#United States #Chronic Pain #West Hartford #Pain Awareness Month #U.S. Pain Foundation

Unmasking Pain: Understanding the Reality of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a pervasive issue, impacting millions of Americans daily. The U.S. Pain Foundation kicked off Pain Awareness Month this September with the powerful message #ThisIsPain, aimed at encouraging a deeper understanding of what living with chronic pain truly means. This year’s theme, Unmasking Pain Because Pain Is More Than a Chart, seeks to drive home the fact that pain is not merely a clinical term or an entry on a medical report; rather, it encapsulates a complex, life-altering experience faced by many individuals.

The Struggles of Daily Life with Chronic Pain

According to recent findings from a national survey conducted by the U.S. Pain Foundation, over 25% of Americans live with daily pain, often feeling misunderstood or dismissed. Nicole Hemmenway, CEO of the U.S. Pain Foundation, asserts, "Behind every statistic is a person—often unheard and disbelieved." These insights reveal that pain extends beyond physical symptoms, as it encompasses stigma, belief deficit, and isolation.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey, comprising over 2,400 participants including individuals with pain, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, presents alarming statistics:

• - Long-term Pain: A staggering 87% of adults report enduring chronic pain for over five years.
• - Activity Limitations: 93% confirm that pain significantly restricts their physical activities.
• - Mental Health Impact: An overwhelming 88% experience anxiety or depression directly associated with their pain.

Moreover, it is notable that chronic pain often begins early in life. Almost half of the surveyed youth indicate experiencing daily pain, yet a mere 9% report always feeling believed by others regarding their condition. The impact on children is profound, leading to significant absenteeism from school and feelings of loneliness. Alarmingly, many children attributed their pain to