Advocating better pain care with new tools

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Pain can affect anyone regardless of gender, race or economic status, however, some people have difficulty getting adequate pain care. Women, certain ethnic groups, the elderly and the uninsured are more likely to be denied appropriate pain treatment.(1),(2) In the Face of Pain®, an online resource provided by Purdue Pharma L.P. for pain management advocacy, offers new tools and information to help people with pain, their caregivers and healthcare professionals become better informed and engaged partners in pain care.

According to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine, over 100 million adults in the United States suffer from common chronic pain conditions.(3) The report states that the annual cost of chronic pain in the U.S. is estimated to be $560-635 billion, including healthcare expenses and lost productivity.(3)

After an injury in 1999, Carol Rains developed a nerve condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Instead of the pain getting better after her injury healed, it got steadily worse over time, leaving her to wonder how she could live with the unrelenting pain. “I educated myself about my condition. I searched until I found a doctor knowledgeable and willing to treat me, and with help and support from my family and friends, I found that you can live a life in spite of chronic pain,” says Carol. “I have extensively used the In the Face of Pain website for pain-related information, current statistics, and advocacy tools to develop a personalized plan to advocate for myself and others suffering with pain.

Ref and Read more: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/in-the-face-of-pain-offers-new-tools-and-resources-to-patients-caregivers-and-healthcare-professionals-advocating-for-better-pain-care-2011-09-22

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