September is National Pain Awareness Month, a time when pain specialists and advocates promote pain education and raise awareness about issues related to chronic pain. Many people who suffer from chronic pain do so silently. They hide their pain because of the stigma surrounding chronic pain. The goal of Pain Awareness Month is to break down the barriers to effective pain management, reduce stigma, and create a greater understanding of chronic pain among healthcare providers, patients, and the community.
- Nearly 100 million Americans experience chronic pain – more than those who have diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined.
- Pain is a warning sign that indicates a problem that needs attention.
- Pain starts in receptor nerve cells located beneath the skin and in organs throughout the body.
- Living with pain can be debilitating and adversely affect everyday life.
- The biggest cause of disabilities in Americans under the age of 45 is back pain.
- According to the National Institutes of Health, eight out of ten people will have back pain at some time in their life.
If you are experiencing pain contact your primary care physician to discuss possible options.
