Chronic pain affects millions in Austria and Spain

Medical experts and professional societies are highlighting the significant impact of chronic pain across Europe. In Austria, the Austrian Pain Society (ÖSG) reports that approximately 1.8 million people are affected by chronic pain, which can lead to sleep issues, exhaustion, and difficulties in maintaining employment and social connections. The ÖSG is calling for improved access to multimodal treatment approaches that combine medication, physical therapy, and psychological support.

In Spain, the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) reports that neuropathic pain affects more than three million people, with roughly 400,000 new cases occurring annually. Experts warn that chronic pain should not be dismissed as a normal part of aging. There is a significant delay in diagnosis, with up to 60 percent of cases not being identified for two years or longer. Factors contributing to the rise in chronic pain syndromes include demographic aging, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and psychosocial stress.