According to the American Pain Foundation, more than 50 million Americans experience chronic pain that interferes with daily activities. But most pain is either untreated, undertreated or treated improperly.

Some patients, particularly men and elders, do not report pain for a variety of reasons. Some fear their complaints will not be taken seriously or caregivers will lose respect for them. Others underreport pain because they believe adequate remedies to treat pain are not available or they will become addicted to pain medications.

Tolerance and addiction can occur with certain medications, including some painkillers. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to medication and a higher dose is required to treat a similar amount of pain. Addiction is the overwhelming urge to use a drug even when pain relief is no longer needed. Physicians sometimes do not treat pain sufficiently because they fear patients will become addicted. However, addiction is rare when opioids are taken under close supervision of a physician for acute pain or cancer pain.

There are a number of ways that patients can address this issue, including:

• Appropriate healthcare provider. Patients should make sure healthcare providers are trained and committed to the assessment and treatment of pain.
  
  
• Clear descriptions of pain. Patients should accurately describe the location, severity and type of pain to physicians. This may ensure that pain is accurately assessed and treated.
  
  
• Accurate diagnosis. Determining the correct underlying condition or disease causing pain can lead to a more effective treatment plan.
  
  
• Advocacy. Patients should understand that pain cannot be ignored. It needs to be assessed and treated. They should never allow a physician to determine that pain is “just in the head.”
  
  
• Commitment. Patients should attend all scheduled appointments with their healthcare provider and adhere to pain management plans.
  
  
• Information. Patients should conduct research about their conditions and pain management options to ensure the best treatment.