We are truly blessed to live in one of the greatest times in all of human history. Today’s modern world allows us all the benefits of heat, air conditioning, refrigeration, transportation, sanitation, security, shelter, science, education, medicine and much more. Yet, despite these advancements we have not been able to defeat chronic pain. In fact, chronic pain is now consider to be an epidemic. The National Centers for Health Statistics estimates that 76.2 million Americans suffer from pain. More people suffer from pain than diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer combined! So, if you are in pain you are not alone.
Pain – 76.2 million people, National Centers for Health Statistics
Diabetes – 20.8 million people, American Diabetes Association
Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke – 18.7 million people, American Heart Association
Cancer – 1.4 million people, American Cancer Society
Our present way of treating CHRONIC PAIN is not working.
Pain of any type is the most frequent reason for physician consultation in the United States, prompting half of all Americans to seek medical care annually.
Most doctors and patients do not understand chronic pain.
In 80% of cases the cause of pain cannot be established
Quebec Task Force on Spinal Disorders: Spine 1987; 12:S1-S59
85% of pain patients lack a specific diagnosis.
Deyo et al: JAMA 1992;268:760-765
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