Each September, communities across the country recognize Pain Awareness Month to increase understanding of chronic pain as a significant public health issue. More than 20 million Americans live with high-impact chronic pain that limits daily activities on most days, and musculoskeletal pain remains the leading reason Americans seek medical care and the nation's leading cause of long-term disability. Chronic pain affects every aspect of a person's life — from physical and emotional well-being to work, relationships and overall quality of life. Yet many people continue to face stigma, delayed diagnosis and barriers to effective, multidisciplinary care.
Furthermore, 60 million Americans live with chronic pain, which is one-quarter of adults that you meet. Women experience chronic pain and high-impact pain at higher rates than men. Additionally, American Indians and Alaska Natives, bisexual individuals, rural residents and people living in poverty are significantly more likely to experience chronic pain. There are 52.4 new cases of chronic pain per 1,000 people each year — a higher rate than that of several other common health conditions, including diabetes, depression and high blood pressure.
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Chronic pain has biopsychosocial implications. It is associated with reduced quality of life, including increased risk of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, people with chronic pain have at least twice the risk of suicide compared to those without chronic pain.
As a scholar who researches chronic pain and lives with it daily, I have found it extremely important to share not only my story but to advocate for the community. On Thursday, September 3, at Pocatello City Hall, Dr. Heather Gilmore is receiving a proclamation for Chronic Pain Awareness Month.
What does this mean? The City of Pocatello is proclaiming the month of September as Chronic Pain Awareness Month as a sign of support for the local community and all who live here. This means that approximately 14,000 adults who live in Pocatello live with chronic pain.
If you are not familiar with the McGill Pain Index Scale, it is a tool that measures the quality and intensity of subjective pain. It is one of the most widely used ways to compare how painful different conditions can be. It is based on the McGill Pain Questionnaire, which asks people to rate and describe their pain using words and numbers.
Gilmore has done a lot of research and advocacy around the country. She speaks openly about her diagnosis, which is rated the highest on the McGill Pain Index Scale. It is called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. This disease has been known about since the Civil War after soldiers were coming home describing their pain. Back then, it was called Causalgia. There is still no cure and very few treatment options. In her research she has found that most individuals with chronic pain know more about their illnesses than their own medical professionals.
Please join in for the month of September and spread awareness, attend the city council meeting and ask questions. Let us get the chronic pain community visibly seen.
