The Predicament of the Undertreatment of Chronic Pain and Prescription Opioid Epidemic

 The Predicament of the Undertreatment of Chronic Pain and Prescription Opioid Epidemic

Chronic pain is pervasive and costly. Based on a recent report published by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), it is estimated that chronic pain affects 116 million American adults – more than the total affected by heart disease, cancer, and diabetes combined. Pain also costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in medical treatment and lost productivity.