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

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

Tolerance, dependence and addiction can develop with opioids. Tolerance occurs when the body becomes accustomed to medication and a higher dose is required to treat a similar amount of pain. Dependence is when a person is prescribed a medication and experiences withdrawal symptoms if the drug is suddenly removed. 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. Opioids rarely cause addiction when used correctly under a physician’s close supervision for acute pain or cancer pain. There is a risk when opioids are used to treat chronic pain, even in patients with no history of drug abuse.

There are a number of ways that patients can address  undertreatment or mistreatment of pain, including:

• 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.
  
  
• Commitment. Patients are encouraged to find a specialist in pain management, a new growing specialty, and to stick with their pain management plans.
  
  
• Information. It is recommended for patients to research their conditions and pain management options to ensure the best treatment with their physician.
  
  
• Clear descriptions of pain. Patients are encouraged to accurately describe the location, severity and type of pain to physicians. This may ensure that pain is correctly assessed and treated. Maintaining a pain diary may help to describe pain.
  
  
• Appropriate healthcare provider. Patients should make sure healthcare providers are trained and committed to the assessment and treatment of pain.