usatoday.com
Acute pain is a common yet disruptive condition that affects millions of Americans each year, significantly impacting both physical and emotional well-being. While treatment options are available, a recent national survey by Vertex Pharmaceuticals highlights ongoing gaps in managing acute pain effectively, pointing to a pressing need for additional therapeutic solutions.
The survey, which included responses from 1,001 patients and 547 healthcare providers, offers critical insights into the current challenges of acute pain management. Among patients who experienced moderate-to-severe acute pain in the past year, 89% reported significant disruptions to their daily lives. This disruption extended beyond physical discomfort—patients also reported emotional strain, with 65% feeling emotionally drained and 69% experiencing sleep disturbances. Meanwhile, healthcare providers echoed these concerns, with 72% recognizing the profound impact of acute pain on patients' daily functioning.
Despite the availability of medications, healthcare providers and patients alike express frustration with current treatment options. Opioids remain a go-to for managing moderate-to-severe pain, but they come with risks: 78% of healthcare providers surveyed expressed concern about the potential for opioid use disorder (OUD). With opioid addiction on the rise, many patients (49%) also share concerns about the risks associated with opioid treatments. Moreover, a significant portion of patients (31%) discontinued their medications before their pain subsided, often continuing to experience pain.
These findings underscore the urgent need for better acute pain management solutions. Over-the-counter medications may lack the necessary efficacy, especially for more severe pain, and opioids carry their own set of risks, creating a difficult landscape for both patients and providers to navigate.
There is a growing demand for alternative pain management options. Over 70% of healthcare providers surveyed expressed a strong need for additional medications, while 77% of patients indicated they would be willing to try a different medication if they experience acute pain again. Notably, over half of patients (52%) want a treatment option with fewer side effects than their current or previous medications.
These survey results highlight the complexity of acute pain management and emphasize the need for innovation in the field. As healthcare providers and patients seek safer, more effective treatments, the development of new therapeutic options remains critical to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.