Why focus on pain?
Pain—particularly chronic pain—is a serious problem that reduces millions of people’s quality of life worldwide. As the average lifespan increases, the issues surrounding pain will continue to grow. In developing countries in particular, numerous serious diseases can cause severe pain but often little or no pain relief is available.
Historically, the control of pain has been a relatively neglected area of governmental concern, despite the fact that cost-effective methods of pain control are feasible.
IASP’s leaders and members believe that raising the profile of pain care and treatment, as well as providing tools, research and education to healthcare providers and others about multidisciplinary pain management will boost recognition that chronic pain is a critical health concern in need of priority action. Although few people die of pain, millions die in pain—and even more live with pain, often unnecessarily.