Chronic Pain: What You Need to Know
How Many People Live With Chronic Pain?
According to the CDC’s 2023 National Health Interview Survey, about 61 million U.S. adults (24.4%) live with chronic pain. Of these, nearly 20 million adults (7.7%) experience high-impact chronic pain that often limits daily life or work activities. This makes chronic pain one of the most widespread health challenges in the country.
What Exactly Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting three months or longer. Unlike acute pain, which usually comes from an injury and improves as the body heals, chronic pain can persist long after recovery. It often affects the back, joints, neck, or nerves and may be linked to musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis, or past injuries.
Why Chronic Pain Starts in the Brain
All pain signals travel through the nervous system before reaching the brain. While pain is real, the way each person’s brain processes these signals can differ. That’s why chronic pain can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and deeply personal.
Alternative Treatment Options in New York
Some New York pain management doctors treat chronic pain with non-surgical methods that reduce pain without relying on opioids. Options may include:
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Epidural steroid injections into the spine
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Non-opioid therapies such as physical therapy
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Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a procedure using heat to block pain signals
Finding Support for Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Support may come from:
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Following chronic pain blogs and awareness resources
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Joining local or online groups for community support
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Working with pain specialists who focus on non-surgical alternatives
Keep the Conversation Going
PainandInjury.com connects injured patients with board-certified providers across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Our mission is to make it easier for patients to find care and explore treatment options tailored to their needs. Chronic pain can feel isolating, but millions of people share your experience. By keeping the conversation open, we can help reduce stigma and create more awareness around living with pain.
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health or treatment options.