Nearly a quarter of Americans report suffering from chronic pain, with significant disparities observed among different racial and ethnic groups. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that 24.3% of individuals experience pain “most days” or “every day.” Alarmingly, 8.5% of those surveyed reported high-impact chronic pain that limits their daily activities.
The findings highlight a troubling trend: chronic pain prevalence increases with age and is particularly pronounced in rural areas. Among minority communities, American Indian and Alaska Native adults report the highest rates of chronic pain at 30.7%. In comparison, 28% of white adults, 21.7% of Black adults, 17.1% of Hispanic adults, and just 11.8% of Asian adults indicate they have experienced chronic pain in the last three months.
This health issue affects not only physical capabilities but also contributes to higher levels of anxiety and depression, as well as risks associated with opioid misuse. Chronic pain is the most common reason individuals seek medical care, underscoring its profound impact on quality of life. The data emphasizes the urgent need for targeted health interventions and support systems to address these disparities, particularly for those in minority communities who disproportionately suffer from persistent pain and its associated challenges.
See “A quarter of Americans suffer from chronic pain” (November 21, 2024)
