The Impact of Pain
Chronic pain has a massive impact both on those suffering with it, and on society as a whole. Many people are surprised by just how common it is: the Pain in Europe Survey showed a frequency of almost one in five (19%) adults surveyed across Europe. The results at their key findings page clearly demonstrate the impact of the pain not only on them but their families and carers and the wider society.
For many years Pain has not been given the emphasis that it needs as a condition. Thankfully this is now beginning to change and the UK Department of Health now considers it a priority, and the 2009 Chief Medical Officer's report stated Chronic Pain to be one of the five most important areas for focus. This report, and the Pain in Europe Study, also gives considerable evidence to back this up.
Pain Service Website, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Webmaster Dr J G de Courcy, Consultant in Pain Medicine and Anaesthesia
email: pain.webmaster[at]glos.nhs.uk