In a newly published study by the NCCIH, data reveals that a staggering amount of American adults are suffering from chronic or severe pain. Based on data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the study estimates that within a previous three-month period, 25 million U.S. adults had daily chronic pain, and 23 million more reported severe pain. Those suffering from serious pain require, and use, more health care services than the average American.
These findings also show that, while many individuals experience pain on a daily basis, over half still rated their overall health as good or better. What's more, this research also revealed an association between pain severity and race, ethnicity, language preference, gender, and age revealing that women, older individuals, and non-Hispanics were more likely to report pain, and Asians were less likely. Researchers also noted that the impact of gender on pain was directly influenced by race and ethnicity.
When asked about why they released the report at this time, Richard L. Nahin, Ph.D., M.P.H., lead epidemiologist for NCCIH and author of the analysis, said in a statement:
This report begins to answer calls for better national data on the nature and extent of the pain problem. The experience of pain is subjective. It's not surprising then that the data show varied responses to pain even in those with similar levels of pain. Continuing analyses of these data may help identify subpopulations that would benefit from additional pain treatment options."
On the heels of a new call for prevention, rather than treatment, of disease, these findings reinforce the need to maintain health from a young age. January Quinn, a representative for a popular health community, said We would really love to see a future where, rather than filling our community with medication to fix problems, we prevent them before they even happen. With so many exciting studies revealing the lasting benefits of healthy lifestyles, drawing more attention to the need for change can only benefit our country.
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