Canadians in Chronic Pain: Cost, access to treatment pose significant barriers for those suffering the most

For many Canadians, the activities and experiences that many of us take for granted are significantly hindered by something unseen by the naked eye: persistent, ongoing pain.

A new public opinion survey from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute, in partnership with Pain BC and

Mindset Social Innovation Foundation, delves deeply into the lives of those who experience ongoing pain, in order to better understand its causes, effects and potential resolutions.

Overall, one-in-three Canadian adults (34 per cent) say they are currently experiencing some form of pain that has lasted longer than three months. That said, for a core group of one-in-five (22 per cent), that pain is considered significant, due to the considerable emotional and physical impact it has on their day-to-day activities. This represents millions of people within the Canadian population who are living with moderate to severe pain that interferes with their lives.

From their working lives, to sleeping habits, to personal relationships and mood, the often-invisible consequences of chronic pain are a harsh reality for many.

Consider that four-in-five Canadians experiencing significant ongoing pain (83 per cent) say it prevents them from doing regular activities, and for more than half (57 per cent), it contributes to anxiety and depression. Indeed, among those living with significant chronic pain, 23 per cent say they experience feelings that “life isn’t worth living.”

The importance of this issue is evident to nearly all Canadians. More than nine-in-10 say that every Canadian – regardless of income – should have access to pain treatment that works for them. This is not the current reality for many, however. Twothirds of those experiencing ongoing pain (64 per cent) say that if they could afford to pay for more of the available treatments offered, their discomfort and quality of life would be improved.

More Key Findings: - Lower-income households and women over the age of 35 significantly overrepresented in their prevalence of living with chronic pain.

- Canadians are near-unanimous (92 per cent) in their agreement that those living with pain should have access to pain treatment that works for them, regardless of income.

The full poll can be viewed at www. angusreid.org.