Chronic Pain Initiative

Chronic Pain: A Public Health Crisis

Chronic pain is a major health equity issue impacting all of us, affecting 1 in 5 people nationally and disproportionately impacting marginalized communities. Left untreated or improperly managed, chronic pain can prevent individuals from working, caring for their families, and fully participating in daily life. Nationally, the economic burden of chronic pain is estimated at $600 billion annually. 

In 2018, the Community Health Commission of Missouri (previously the St. Louis Regional Health Commission) launched a Chronic Pain Initiative to prevent acute pain from becoming chronic and to improve treatment options in our region. This work lives on through Beyond Pain STL, a resource hub for individuals, providers, and advocates seeking non-opioid pain management strategies. 

Beyond Pain STL

A public health crisis

Chronic Pain Burden

1 in 5

Chronic pain impacts 1 in 5 people nationally.

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$600b

The estimated burden of chronic pain is $600b every year.

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19m

19 million adults in the U.S. have chronic pain that is so severe it keeps them from doing things they need to do, like going to work or doing household chores.

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36%

In 2023, it was estimated that around 36% of adults in the United States aged 65 years and older suffered from chronic pain, compared to 29% of adults aged 45 to 64 years.

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What is Chronic Pain?

This video, developed by the St. Louis Regional Health Commission, explains the impact of chronic pain.

The connection between trauma, toxic stress, and chronic pain

At the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM), we recognize that there are deep connections between chronic pain, trauma, and toxic stress. Stress and trauma—including the effects of long COVID—can alter the body’s pain response, worsening chronic conditions.

To learn more, check out our resource on trauma, toxic stress, and the body, developed in partnership with the Washington University Long COVID Clinic. 

Impact of Trauma & Toxic Stress on the body

Chronic Pain policy paper

The RHC drafted a policy paper with regional and statewide recommendations on chronic pain management, based on national strategies, 200 peer-reviewed articles, and 35 stakeholder interviews.
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Trauma and Toxic Stress on the Body

Foldable pamphlet developed in partnership with the WashU Living Well Center.
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Addressing Chronic Pain: Integrating Physical Function Services into Community Health Centers

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