The Truth About Chronic Pain

One of the Most Devastating Public Health Catastrophes of Our Time

Pain is a major health problem

Most pain tends to be localized

Pain, in particular chronic pain, can be devastating and limit mobility, productivity and social engagement

Pain is only one of many peripheral senses, posing a treatment challenge with respect to “specificity”

Most widely used/available pain treatments are systemic
or locally administered and short acting

The most potent pain treatments, for example opioids, broadly
affect multiple sensory/motor systems and create dependence