Persistent Pain
A lot of Americans suffer from persistent pain because of various conditions—in fact, as many as 1 in 10 adults have reported that they suffer from pain that has lasted a year or more! You may now have to sit out on activities you once enjoyed such as playing tennis, lifting weights, and entertaining your children or grandchildren.Many scientists have found that as we age, we tend to become more sedentary. Staying active could be key to keeping away your pain. If you find activity and over-the-counter medications unhelpful, then you may want to speak to your health care provider. The Alliance has highlighted important information regarding persistent pain below.
If you or someone you love takes acetaminophen (the most common active ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines--including pain relievers, fever reducers, sleep aids, cough and cold meds, and more) be sure to check out this resource from the National Council on Patient Information and Education to learn more about its safe use.
Related Publications
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Press ReleaseGrowing Burden of Persistent Pain Calls for More Medical Innovation
February 20, 2013
Related topics: Access to Breakthroughs Aging Research Cancer Federal Funding Health Medical Innovation Persistent Pain Policy ResearchCynthia Bens, Alliance for Aging Researchcbens@agingresearch.org, 202-293-2856
Penney Cowan, American Chronic Pain Assoc.pcowan@tehacpa.org, 916-632-0922
Nicole Grady, American Osteopathic Assoc.
ngrady@osteopathic.org, 312-202-8038
Paul Gileno, US Pain Foundation
uspainfoundation@gmail.com, 860-788-6062
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Alliance for Aging Research released a new volume of The Silver Book®: Chronic Disease and Medical Innovation in an Aging Nation. This latest addition to The Silver Book series paints a comprehensive picture of the burden of persistent pain, and the value of innovation that helps reduce that burden. The briefing--held in partnership with the American Chronic Pain Association, the American Osteopathic Association, and the US Pain Foundation--featured a medical expert, a pain patient, and leaders from the partnering organizations.
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Feature ArticlePain and Confusion: Figuring Out How to Safely Treat Pain
Are you or a loved one dealing with persistent pain but confused about what medications are safe? Understandably so! Treating persistent pain can be challenging and now warnings about the risks of leading pain relievers have left many of us wondering what we can do to safely treat our pain. -
DocumentPractical Facts for Health Care Providers: Assessing and Treating Persistent Pain in Older Patients
Persistent pain is a common problem in older adults, yet many are reluctant to discuss it with their health care provider. They may see pain as an inevitable part of aging, or believe it’s not possible to relieve their symptoms.
Many times it is left up to the health care provider to ask questions of their elderly patients and figure out if pain is a problem. This fact sheet is a summary of the 2009 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) guidelines on the management of persistent pain in older persons. It highlights the AGS panel's main recommendations on assessing and treating persistent pain.
The Alliance also has an updated brochure that provides pain management information for patients.
