16 June 2008
Coping with chronic pain
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One in five Australians of working age suffers from on-going pain. If you're over 65, the figure jumps to one in two. A recent Access Economics report commissioned by MBF says the annual cost of chronic pain is more than $34 billion. If you want the breakdown, that includes a $7 billion drain on the health system and productivity losses of $11.7 billion—much of that in workers compensation claims.
Chronic pain is generally defined as pain experienced every day for three months or more. It usually follows an acute phase and the causes are varied, including arthritis, cancer, surgical complications, and injuries, particularly lower back.
While all the research recommends a holistic approach to dealing with pain, is our health system geared to that? Can reliance on drugs lead to poorer outcomes? Without real treatment or cure, what are some of the best strategies for coping with and living with pain?
Guests
Peter Neilson
Former police officer
Michael Cousins
Director Pain Management Research Institute, University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital
Lynne Bousfield
Psychologist
Further Information
Pain Management Research Institute
Access Economics: The High Price of Pain
Presenter
Paul Barclay
Story Researcher and Producer
Debra McCoy
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