20 June 2011 | Daniel S Goldberg and Summer J McGee
The article "Pain as a Global Public Health Priority" highlights the significant global impact of pain, which affects 20% of adults worldwide, with 10% being newly diagnosed with chronic pain each year. Despite its prevalence, pain has primarily been viewed as a medical issue rather than a public health concern. The authors argue that treating pain as a public health issue is crucial for understanding its multifaceted nature and addressing its social determinants. They emphasize that pain is closely linked to social and economic factors, such as stress, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood, and that addressing these determinants is essential for reducing the burden of chronic pain. The article also discusses the limitations of a medical model approach, which focuses on the availability and distribution of opioid analgesics, and suggests that a public health approach is necessary to effectively manage and reduce the global burden of chronic pain. The authors call for increased attention and resources to be allocated to addressing the social and economic determinants of pain, aligning with recommendations from organizations like the World Health Organization and the Commission to Build a Healthier America.The article "Pain as a Global Public Health Priority" highlights the significant global impact of pain, which affects 20% of adults worldwide, with 10% being newly diagnosed with chronic pain each year. Despite its prevalence, pain has primarily been viewed as a medical issue rather than a public health concern. The authors argue that treating pain as a public health issue is crucial for understanding its multifaceted nature and addressing its social determinants. They emphasize that pain is closely linked to social and economic factors, such as stress, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood, and that addressing these determinants is essential for reducing the burden of chronic pain. The article also discusses the limitations of a medical model approach, which focuses on the availability and distribution of opioid analgesics, and suggests that a public health approach is necessary to effectively manage and reduce the global burden of chronic pain. The authors call for increased attention and resources to be allocated to addressing the social and economic determinants of pain, aligning with recommendations from organizations like the World Health Organization and the Commission to Build a Healthier America.