In Search of a Pain-Free Life

“No pain, no gain” may be the mantra for some extreme sports enthusiasts, but for most people, the absence of pain is integral to a healthy, happy life. In its definition of pain, the International Association for the Study of Pain notes that pain is always subjective, and that along with physical sensation, it is an emotional experience as well, both of which are significant factors in pain treatment.

The National Pain Foundation reports that one in four Americans – 75 million people – live in chronic, debilitating pain. They state that chronic pain accounts for more than 80 percent of all physician visits and that pain costs an estimated $70 billion a year in medical claims, disability payments and lost productivity.

In recent years, conventional medicine has focused more attention on the phenomenon of pain and pain management. And while much of this has involved pharmaceuticals, the conventional perspective has broadened to include complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments. The National Pain Foundation and the American Pain Foundation both include CAM resources on their Web sites. Individuals seeking relief from pain through natural medicine have several options.

Writer: Bastyr Staff Writer
Date: 2003

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