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Chronic Pain Rates Increasing in Western Countries
Added: (Tue Jan 29 2008)
Chronic Pain Rates Increasing in Western Countries
Chronic pain is currently the third most expensive health problem in the Western World, and presently at its highest for 40 years.
Recent surveys in the United States, New Zealand and Australia show that chronic pain affects nearly 35% of people at any time, and that 1 in 4 households has a chronic pain sufferer.
Many people are surprised to learn that chronic pain is regarded as one of the "big three" health costs in the developed world, third only to cardio-vascular disease and depression. The World Health Organisation says "Chronic pain is one of the most underestimated health care problems in the world today, causing major consequences for the quality of life of the sufferer and a major burden on the health care system of the Western World".
The financial burden is estimate to be some $34 billion per year in Australia, and over $120 billion per year in the United States.
Australian clinical researcher Christine Sutherland believes this is burden that no-one should suffer and that far better treatments for chronic pain must be made available to the general public.
"With health systems in crisis, we are obliged to examine chronic pain treatment more closely, and to stop using methods that are proven to be ineffective" said Ms Sutherland. "For years Cognitive Behaviour Therapy has been held up as the 'gold standard' for chronic pain but in fact studies show results similar to placebo, which is grossly unfair to the patient, as well as a waste of money."
"Proven, rapid treatment for chronic pain does exist, but unfortunately pharmaceutical companies and CBT specialists still dominate doctor awareness."
The report "Chronic Pain - Myths and Treatment" is available for free download.
The Lifeworks Group Pty Ltd has been active in the research and development of effective programs for a range of health problems, including chronic pain.
The Lifeworks Group Pty Ltd
www.realhelpforchronicpain.com
61.8.92461977 (ph)
61.8.92461966 (fax)
40 Kersey Way, Carine 6020, Western Australia
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