Chronic Pain Report Highlights Major Health Issue for NZ

Chronic Pain Report Highlights Major Health Issue for NZ

Chronic pain is a widespread but often misunderstood problem for many New Zealanders, according to the results of a survey published today by Pfizer New Zealand, in partnership with Arthritis New Zealand.

The Pfizer New Zealand Health Report: Chronic Pain survey found that one in eight people surveyed[1] experience chronic pain themselves, which can affect their ability to sleep, work, study or raise their children.

With almost a quarter of respondents saying that chronic pain greatly affects their ability to hold down a job, our health system has the opportunity to improve New Zealand’s economic wellbeing by optimising treatment of pain and other health conditions that interfere with a person’s ability to work.

The report reveals there are many causes of chronic pain, and that more than half of survey respondents who experience it believe that others have doubted the reality of their pain.

“This research has uncovered a major health issue that for many people is an invisible problem,” Medicines New Zealand General Manager Kevin Sheehy says.

Some of the challenges chronic pain presents could be redressed by further education, resources and information for patients and health professionals about lifestyle and treatment options for those living with chronic pain.

“As Arthritis New Zealand CEO Sandra Kirby points out, the people who have the best outcome of managing their pain use a variety of techniques, including medication, exercise, lifestyle changes and other therapies. Finding the right balance requires a multi-disciplinary approach,” Mr Sheehy says.

“We congratulate Pfizer New Zealand and Arthritis New Zealand for partnering on this report. The survey has highlighted the prevalence of chronic pain in New Zealand and the importance of understanding by others for those who experience it.”

ENDS

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