The National Pain Foundation: My Research Pain Survey

New Survey Indicates Majority of Americans in Pain

As part of its ongoing mission to improve quality of life for those living with pain, the National Pain Foundation recently sponsored a Harris Interactive survey of U.S. adults to measure the incidence and types of pain they experienced during the last 12 months.

The survey results reveal that while the majority of Americans reported experiencing pain in the last 12 months, many are reluctant to seek professional help or take prescription pain medications. People experiencing acute pain are especially reluctant to seek help or take prescription medications.

The results of this survey highlight the ongoing need for reliable information and support for people living with pain and their loved ones so that they can make informed decisions about their care.

Key Survey Findings

Most Americans Experience Acute or Persistent Pain

42% of adults surveyed were experiencing some form of pain on the day of the survey.
72% of adults surveyed experienced pain in the last 12 months, and 27% of respondents experienced acute pain.

There is a Reluctance to Seek Treatment for Pain

More than half of respondents suffering from pain (57%) did not see a health care professional. This is especially true for people experiencing acute pain — 70% of acute pain sufferers did not see a health care professional, compared to 45% of people with recurrent pain and 20% of people with chronic pain.

Among respondents who did not see a doctor to treat their pain, one-third believed that their doctor simply couldn't help them.
Even among those who did see a doctor, 81% of respondents delayed going to a health care provider, hoping to deal with the pain on their own.

The Relationship Between Acute and Chronic Pain Is Not Understood

26% of respondents do not understand that acute pain left untreated can lead to chronic pain.

More Information

The survey was sponsored by the National Pain Foundation with the assistance of a grant provided by Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC.