India’s Latest Crisis – Chronic Pain

Everyone talks about the pain that lasts for extended periods of time, but the question is, do we really understand much about chronic pain and also, about how prevalent it is in Indian society? Let us try to understand via this post.

What is Chronic pain?

Chronic pain is classified as pain that lasts longer than three months. A popular alternative definition of chronic pain, involving no fixed duration, is “pain that extends beyond the expected period of healing.”

The International Classification of Disease, Eleventh Revision suggests seven categories for chronic pain:

1. Chronic primary pain: defined by 3 months of persistent pain in one or more regions of the body that is unexplainable by another pain condition.
2. Chronic cancer pain: defined as cancer or treatment-related visceral (within the internal organs), musculoskeletal, or bony pain.
3. Chronic post-traumatic pain: pain lasting 3 months after an injury or surgery, excluding infectious or pre-existing conditions.
4. Chronic neuropathic pain: pain caused by damage to the somatosensory nervous system.
5. Chronic headache and orofacial pain: pain that originates in the head or face, and occurs for 50% or more days over a 3 months period.
6. Chronic visceral pain: pain originating in an internal organ.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain: pain originating in the bones, muscles, joints, or connective tissue.

Chronic pain in India:

Chronic pain is indeed a growing crisis in India. According to a report by The Hindu, around 20% of the Indian population suffers from pain-related issues, with back pain being the most common. The report further highlights that chronic pain not only affects an individual’s physical well-being but also has a significant impact on their mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Main reason behind the rise in cases:

One of the major reasons for the rise in chronic pain cases in India is the lack of awareness and access to proper healthcare facilities. Many people are not aware of the different types of pain and their causes, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the cost of treatment and medication can be prohibitive, especially for those living in rural areas or from low-income families.

Another factor contributing to the crisis is the sedentary lifestyle of many Indians. Long working hours, extended periods of sitting or standing, and a lack of physical exercise can lead to muscle strain and back pain. Additionally, the country’s aging population is also a significant contributor to the rise in chronic pain cases. To address the issue, there is a need for increased awareness among the general public about pain management, including self-care practices and seeking medical help when necessary. A holistic approach that includes counseling and mental health support can also help individuals dealing with chronic pain to manage their condition better.

An interesting alternative:

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