Our National Health Problem

One in five Australians suffers chronic pain disease at some time in their lifetime. For some, the pain goes on to become debilitating or disabling and there is a lack of understanding in Australia as to why the pain does not go away. The stigma of chronic pain can leave sufferers feeling disbelieved, isolated and reluctant to speak about their pain; in much the same way as those with depression faced before Beyond Blue raised awareness about depression.

Receiving effective treatment to improve health and quality of life can be patchy with only a limited number of specialized pain management clinics available. Knowledge of the prevalence and economic cost of this major health problem is inadequate – chronic pain is not listed as a National Health Priority Area despite having a greater prevalence in the community than diseases such as asthma, diabetes and hearing loss.

Raising National Awareness

The National Pain Summit was held in Canberra, on Thursday 11 March 2010. The Summit brought together international and Australian pain management medical experts, industry and consumer groups. A summary of the outcomes of the Summit include:

• A national representative body to drive improved health care
• Recognition of chronic pain as a chronic disease
• Standardised optimal health care at the GP and hospital levels
• A national campaign to raise awareness and de-stigmatise of chronic pain
• Call for pain to be recognized as the fifth vital sign along with blood pressure, pulse, temperature and breathing

View the National Pain Strategy

A National Health Solution

APMA is calling for improvements to the Australian health system, funding of consumer health charities eg APMA, to offer community support and for a national awareness and education campaign for chronic pain. Specifically we seek:

• Chronic pain disease to be a national health priority
• Improved training in pain management for GPs and allied health professionals
• National funding of more & improved pain management clinics
• Government funding of consumer health charities for chronic pain