Confluent Physical Therapy’s Dr. Stephen Clark Discusses Chronic Pain with Rehab Management
New Reality for Pain Management
Chronic pain contributes to an estimated $600 billion in direct medical costs, lost productivity, and disability, and it is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 20.4% of Americans face chronic pain (defined as pain on most days or every day for the past 6 months).1 Chronic pain is an immense burden to the medical system, but the traditional medical system itself is likewise an immense burden to chronic pain patients. Two examples of this are high-cost, low-value interventions such as surgeries and addictive medications—both have proven dangerous and even deadly.
The danger of addictive medications in pain symptoms is difficult to overstate. In 2018, more than 130 people died each day from opioid-related drug overdoses and an estimated 10.3 million people misused prescription opioids.2 Even alongside drastic government regulation, multi-billion-dollar pharmaceutical lawsuits, and awareness campaigns, these appalling numbers continue to climb.
Physical therapy has begun to gain the support of physicians, patients, and the media, as peer-reviewed research continues to show its effectiveness, safety, and low cost. Physical therapy is a critical element in the treatment of chronic pain and is perfectly positioned to be a frontline intervention in chronic pain management.
Continue reading ‘New Reality for Pain Management’ to learn more about Pain Neuroscience Education, Cognitive Therapy and more.
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