From the Guidelines
The yearly costs in the USA from not treating chronic pain are estimated to be between $560 billion and $635 billion annually. This enormous economic burden includes direct healthcare expenses for pain management, lost productivity in the workplace, disability payments, and the costs of treating complications that arise from untreated pain. When chronic pain goes untreated, patients often experience decreased ability to work, leading to significant wage losses and reduced tax revenue. Healthcare utilization increases as patients seek relief through emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Additionally, untreated pain frequently leads to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, substance use disorders including opioid dependence, and decreased quality of life, all of which carry their own substantial economic costs. The financial impact extends beyond the individual to affect employers, healthcare systems, and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, making untreated chronic pain one of the most expensive health conditions in America.
Some of the key factors contributing to these costs include:
- Direct healthcare expenses for pain management, such as medications, therapies, and procedures
- Indirect costs from missed work or reduced productivity, which can lead to significant wage losses and reduced tax revenue
- Disability payments and other benefits for individuals who are unable to work due to chronic pain
- Costs of treating complications that arise from untreated pain, such as mental health issues, substance use disorders, and other comorbidities
According to a study published in 2022 1, nonpharmacologic therapies such as exercise, acupuncture, and cognitive behavioral therapy can be cost-effective for various chronic pain conditions, including low back pain, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. However, the costs of these therapies can vary widely, ranging from $25 to $60 per visit, and may not be covered by all insurance plans.
Overall, the economic burden of untreated chronic pain in the USA is substantial, and effective treatment and management of chronic pain are critical to reducing these costs and improving the quality of life for individuals with chronic pain.
From the Research
Yearly Costs of Untreated Chronic Pain in the USA
- The total costs of chronic pain in the United States ranged from $560 to $635 billion in 2010 dollars, according to a study published in 2012 2.
- A more recent study published in 2023 estimated that over $100 billion is spent yearly in the United States on healthcare costs related to pain management and opioids 3.
- Another study published in 2022 found that the total costs of care for patients with new-onset chronic pain were lower for those treated by interventional pain management (IPM) specialists compared to those treated by providers with surgical specialties 4.
- An earlier study published in 2002 reviewed the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of various treatments for chronic pain, including pharmacological treatments, conservative care, surgery, and pain rehabilitation programs 5.
- Although the study published in 2024 was based on a Norwegian population, it estimated that chronic pain imposes a yearly burden of 4% of GDP, with 80% of the costs attributed to productivity loss 6.
Comparison to Other Health Conditions
- The annual cost of chronic pain was found to be greater than the annual costs of heart disease ($309 billion), cancer ($243 billion), and diabetes ($188 billion) in a study published in 2012 2.
- A study published in 2023 noted that the costs of chronic pain exceed the costs of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer-related care combined 3.
Cost-Effectiveness of Treatments
- Pain rehabilitation programs were found to be more cost-effective than other treatments, including surgery and implantable drug delivery systems, in a study published in 2002 5.
- A study published in 2022 found that IPM specialists provided lower-cost care compared to providers with surgical specialties for patients with new-onset chronic pain 4.