Pain can significantly impact many areas of a person’s life, disrupting daily routines and taking a toll on emotional well-being. As one of the leading reasons for emergency room visits, acute pain remains a common concern; however, gaps in treatment options continue to affect those who suffer from it.

Each year, an estimated 80 million adults receive medication for acute pain in the U.S., which is defined as pain lasting up to three months. It typically begins suddenly and is caused by something specific, such as an injury or a surgery, but inadequately managed pain can significantly decrease a person’s quality of life. 

A recent survey conducted nationwide by Vertex Pharmaceuticals asked 1,001 patients who were affected by moderate-to-severe acute pain in the last year and 547 health care providers who treated it in the past month about how they perceived the current treatment landscape for moderate-to-severe acute pain. 

Here are five insights from their responses that shed light on the challenges of managing acute pain today:

1. Nearly 9 out of 10 (89 percent) patients surveyed who experienced acute pain stated that it is a disruption to their daily lives

Acute pain can be more than a temporary inconvenience — it can also impact everyday routines. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of patients who responded reported difficulty engaging in activities and hobbies, while 70 percent reported that pain limits them from doing physical activities, such as walking or exercising.

The findings align with responses from nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of health care providers surveyed, who reported that acute pain frequently disrupts their patients’ daily lives.

2.  Most patients surveyed reported that acute pain impacts their emotional well-being, not just their physical health

Pain is often seen as a physical issue primarily, but the survey revealed that it impacts the majority of patients more broadly. According to the survey, 65 percent of patients reported feeling emotionally drained or irritable and 69 percent of patients surveyed reported having trouble sleeping.In addition to physical discomfort, these disruptions can create physical and emotional distress, further disrupting a patient’s quality of life.

3. Acute pain can negatively impact patients’ professional lives 

Acute pain doesn’t just take a toll on the body — it can also reduce workplace attendance. According to the findings, patients surveyed missed an average of about 19 workdays per year, which exceeds the national average of sick days allotted to most full-time employees within a calendar year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. More than three-quarters (78 percent) of health care providers surveyed are concerned about the risks of opioid use disorder (OUD)

Among the approximately 80 million adults in the U.S. treated for acute pain each year, around 40 million receive an opioid prescription. Of those, approximately 85,000 will be diagnosed with OUD within one year of their prescribed treatment of acute pain. And, while opioids are an effective tool for treating moderate-to-severe acute pain, 78 percent of health care providers surveyed and 49 percent of patients surveyed are concerned about the risk of developing opioid addiction.

More than a quarter (about 31 percent) of patients surveyed revealed that they stopped taking their acute pain medication before their pain was resolved, among which approximately 58 percent continued experiencing pain. 

5. Patients and health care providers hope for additional pain management options

More than three-quarters (77 percent) of health care providers surveyed stated that treating moderate-to-severe acute pain with currently available medication options can be a challenge. 

Current pain treatments include over-the-counter options like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, which may have limited efficacy, particularly for moderate-to-severe acute pain, or opioids, which are effective but have the potential to become addictive. Prescription opioids remain a top contributor to the ongoing opioid epidemic in the U.S., highlighting the urgent need for alternative pain management options. 

Seventy-one percent of health care providers surveyed expressed a high need for additional medication options to treat their patients with acute pain, while 77 percent of patients surveyed said they are interested in trying a different pain medication if they experience acute pain again. Of patients surveyed, 52 percent reported that they are looking for a pain medication with fewer side effects than their last medication. 

Understanding pain

Acute pain management is a complex and evolving field where new challenges and insights continuously emerge. Understanding these insights can help patients and health care providers initiate proactive discussions about managing acute pain and discuss ways to make more informed decisions together about how to approach treatment. 

Learn more about the State of Pain survey at www.vrtx.com. 

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Survey Methodology: The national survey, conducted by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, collected responses from 1,001 US adults ages 18+ who were treated for moderate-to-severe acute pain in the last year and 547 health care providers who treated moderate-to-severe acute pain in the last month. The quantitative survey was conducted in a double-blinded manner to minimize bias and ensure objectivity. Participants were recruited from a panel who consented to participate in market research and were paid for their time. The survey ensured a diversified sample of participants across demographics and other characteristics.