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Author Spotlight: Methodologies and Advancements of Chronic Pain Management Research
Published on: January 5, 2024
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Chronic Pain Among Adults - United States, 2019-2021
S Michaela Rikard1, Andrea E Strahan1, Kristine M Schmit1
1Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC.
MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
|April 13, 2023
Summary
Chronic pain affects over 51 million US adults, with high-impact chronic pain affecting 17 million. Specific populations, including American Indian or Alaska Native adults, experience disproportionately higher rates, highlighting health inequities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Chronic pain is a significant public health issue in the U.S., linked to depression, dementia, suicide risk, and substance use.
- An estimated 50 million U.S. adults experienced chronic pain in 2016, leading to substantial healthcare costs and lost productivity.
- The National Pain Strategy emphasizes the need for precise prevalence estimates of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain to guide public health efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide updated estimates of the prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain among U.S. adults using recent data.
- To identify population subgroups with higher prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain to inform targeted interventions.
- To analyze data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for comprehensive pain surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the 2019-2021 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
- Estimation of chronic pain prevalence (pain lasting ≥3 months) and high-impact chronic pain (substantial restriction to daily activities).
- Stratification of prevalence estimates by demographic, geographic, socioeconomic, and health status characteristics.
Main Results:
- In 2021, an estimated 20.9% of U.S. adults (51.6 million) experienced chronic pain.
- Approximately 6.9% of U.S. adults (17.1 million) experienced high-impact chronic pain in 2021.
- Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native adults, bisexual adults, and divorced or separated adults reported higher prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pain remains a widespread and significant health concern in the United States.
- Health inequities exist in chronic pain prevalence, with specific populations facing higher burdens.
- Ensuring equitable access to comprehensive and effective pain management is crucial for public health.
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