Groups call for new treatments for chronic pain Play Video

By ABC News

Posted: Nov 4, 2009 4:42 PM
Updated: Nov 4, 2009 6:02 PM

Persistent back pain, headaches, and joint pain afflicts nearly 70 million Americans and costs more than $100 billion in lost productivity and medical bills each year.  A recent panel of experts reports that because of issues with health care policy, funding, and provider training, many patients are not getting the treatment they need, especially minorities and low-income patients.  

To address what they call an "epidemic of under-treatment" the panel, which , among others, includes neurologists, nurses, emergency physicians, and pharmacists, has called for urgent health care reform and better training for doctors and medical school students on diagnosing and treating chronic pain.  

The panel's report has been endorsed by 30 organizations, and includes recommendations on medical school reform, expanded funding for pain management training, and increased public awareness on the importance of treating persistent pain.   

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