By Martin Banks - 26th September 2011
“The research we have included in our new white paper reveals an alarmingly high prevalence of uncontrolled chronic pain in our communities
Magdi Hanna
A group of European pain specialists have called for immediate action to combat the "widespread inadequate" management of chronic pain throughout Europe.
They have demanded that EU governments prioritise its prevention and management.
The experts say there is an "urgent need" for action to resolve these problems and improve outcomes for the estimated one in five adults in Europe suffering from chronic pain.
Magdi Hanna, a UK-based consultant in pain medicine, said, "The research we have included in our new white paper reveals an alarmingly high prevalence of uncontrolled chronic pain in our communities.
"This serious public health problem must be addressed as a priority and people suffering from pain must receive comprehensive evaluation and assessment by skilled healthcare professionals."
The white paper published by the specialists highlights the impact of chronic pain, both from personal and "societal" perspectives.
It says, "People suffering with chronic pain can have depression and a reduced quality of life.
"The condition can also have enormous costs for society, such as the direct costs of health and social care associated with inadequate management and the costs that result from sufferers or their carers being unable to work.
"In the UK alone, for instance, it has been estimated that back pain costs the economy €14bn per year," it says.
Survey data from 2003 has claimed that a third of chronic pain sufferers surveyed in Europe are not being treated and almost half of patients with cancer pain are undertreated.
The specialists said this could be due to both the public and health care professionals having limited understanding and knowledge of chronic pain, which they say can also lead to misdiagnoses.
EU governments are now being urged to work with educational institutes to review existing guidance and improve training around chronic pain for healthcare professionals, as well as undertake targeted public education.
The demand is also made by Hans Kress, president of the European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain.
He said, "Despite the existence of inexpensive and effective pain relief medicines, millions of Europeans continue to suffer from severe, chronic pain each year without adequate treatment.
"Pain relief is a human right, as recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Human Rights Watch, so EU member states should make effective management of chronic pain and access to treatments a public health priority."
Kress added, "By implementing our recommendations, national governments will be taking a step towards reducing human suffering and reducing the massive strain on costs linked to uncontrolled chronic pain."
