Reality of chronic pain is unbearable, say people in pain

Tuesday 7 June

One in three Australians lives with chronic pain[1], a condition which they say is poorly understood, and which has led one in five to consider suicide.[2]

The new statistics, contained in a special Pfizer Health Report, highlight the need for the federal and state governments to implement the National Pain Strategy, believes Coralie Wales, President of Chronic Pain Australia.

“Australians need access to an improved network of pain management options, which is what the National Pain Strategy focuses on,” says Ms Wales. “These figures show chronic pain is a very real and debilitating issue for many Australians, as well as the families, friends, employers and others who are associated with people in pain. It is time we took more coordinated action to relieve the suffering associated with chronic pain.”

According to the Pfizer Health Report on Chronic Pain:

• 29% of Australians say they experience chronic pain.[3] Women (31%) are more likely to experience chronic pain than men (26%).[4]
• 5% of Australians with chronic pain have attempted to commit suicide because of their pain[5] and a further 20% have thought about suicide.[6]
• Chronic pain is reported across all age groups ranging from 19% of people aged 18-29, to 29% of those aged 66 and over.[7]
• Among those who experience chronic pain, 47% say it is the result of a diagnosed condition such as arthritis, an inflammatory condition, multiple sclerosis or cancer.[8]
• Forty per cent (40%) of people in pain say chronic pain has followed from a life event such as an operation or accident-related illness.[9]
• 13% of people in pain report there is no identified medical reason for their pain.[10]

Ms Wales notes, “Pain is real even when there is no medical explanation. The biggest issue for some people living with chronic pain is that others often don’t believe their pain is real. When the person suffers compromised social outcomes as a result of their pain being seen as invalid, the person is experiencing ‘stigma’.”

“It is extremely sad that some people consider ending their life as a result of a combination of the pain, the isolation, the stigma associated with the condition and unsuccessful pain management. As a community we need to ensure people with chronic pain get more support to help them continue on with their lives.

“The National Pain Strategy provides clear guidance on how this can be achieved. The first step is recognising chronic pain as a separate condition so healthcare professionals can give it the time and attention it deserves.” 

Dr Chris Hayes, Pain Medicine Specialist and Director of Hunter Integrated Pain Service, John Hunter Hospital says that recent research has profoundly changed our understanding of why pain persists and the best management approach. Medicines may be helpful in managing pain, particularly when included as part of a wider strategy.  

“There is an urgent need for education of both healthcare professionals and the broader community so that new understandings can be translated into practical support and co-ordinated management for people in pain,” Dr Hayes said.  

“As the number of Australians suffering from chronic illnesses such as cancer, arthritis and inflammatory conditions rise so too will the incidence of chronic pain. Managing pain has much in common with the management of other chronic conditions. Medical treatments help to a certain extent but overall the benefits are relatively modest. The greater gains come from a broader “lifestyle” approach. This includes a focus on nutrition, activity, thoughts and the deeper story around the condition. Providing people in pain with the support required to work through these issues is a key part of the challenge in an overloaded health system.”

The research also found that only 16% of Australians are satisfied with how their pain is managed.[11]  “Living with pain isn’t easy,” Ms Wales added. “Navigating the health system can be challenging and the experience can be lonely. However, with the right support and pain management approach, chronic pain can be made more manageable.” 

Chronic Pain Australia offers a support and information service for people living with chronic pain. Telephone 1800 218 921.

• Click here to download the Pfizer Health Report on Chronic Pain