The IOM Report on Pain

At least 116 million US adults suffer from chronic pain. That’s more than the number affected by heart disease, diabetes and cancer – combined. The annual economic cost – $560 to $635 billlion. That’s according to a new report released by the Institute of Medicine, Relieving Pain in America-A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education and Research. Myra Christopher served on the IOM committee releasing the report, and describes how various groups plan to act.