The Problem with Pain

Chronic pain adversely affects the mental, physical and emotional well being of millions of people in Singapore and throughout Asia. In Singapore alone, it is estimated that some 450,000 individuals suffer from chronic pain that lasts for more than 3 to 6 months. An alarming fact in the face of these statistics is that chronic pain is “grossly under treated” in most patients and has low priority in Singapore and Asia’s established health care system.

back pain problems are commonThe numbers of individuals that suffer from chronic pain in Singapore and other Asian countries are steadily increasing. When viewing global statistics, it is estimated that 30% of the world’s population deals with chronic pain and affects 1 in 5 adults. At a recent panel discussion organized by Pfizer Thailand, Assoc Prof Padit Prateepavanich stated, “Chronic pain is likely to become a major health issue in Asia Pacific including Thailand.”

There are various factors that may account for this phenomena, which include an ageing population, sports injuries, pain associated with illness and injury and the cost, risks and side affects of standard medical treatment.

shoulder painEven as the numbers of chronic pain sufferers’ increase, there is little emphasis placed on the treatment of pain in Singapore’s health care system. The problem is compounded further from lack of knowledge among consumers and health care providers regarding appropriate pain management.

This currently leaves the market wide open for innovative and revolutionary pain management systems to address the needs of acute and chronic pain sufferers where standard treatments have fallen short of the mark. It is not only critical that the proposed treatment is shown to be effective in relieving chronic pain, but is also affordable so that all sectors of society could benefit.

References:
http://www.pfizer.co.th/2006/en/newsview.aspx?newsid=144

http://www.mcys.gov.sg/successful_ageing/report/CAI_report.pdf

http://iussp2005.princeton.edu/download.aspx?submissionId=51141