U.S. Pain is pleased to share the results of a July survey of its members. More than 2,000 individuals, representing all 50 states, responded.

“The goal of this survey was to learn a little more about the members of our community, so we can better tailor our programs to meet their needs,” says Interim CEO Nicole Hemmenway. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated.”

An infographic with highlights from the survey can be downloaded here.

Among the other key findings were:

• • The average age is 52; the oldest member is 89 years old and the youngest is 5 years old.
  • 83% of respondents were female
  • The four most common health issues:
    • Musculoskeletal – 60%
    • Neurological – 60%
    • Orthopedic, spine – 53%
    • Rheumatological – 32%
  • Most common specific health conditions:
    • Back pain 75%
    • Arthritis: 60%
    • Neck pain: 55%
    • Neuropathic pain: 46%
    • Fibromyalgia: 43%
    • Headaches: 41%
    • Osteoarthritis: 38%
    • Sciatica: 32%
    • Migraine 29%
    • Chronic fatigue syndrome 29%
  • 25% have a rare disease
  • 31% rate their pain between 8-10 on a 1-10 scale
  • 68% have had pain for more than 10 years
  • 51% have their pain managed by a pain specialist and 27% have it managed by a primary care physician
  • 57% participate in online support groups, and 10% participate in in-person support groups
  • For health insurance:
    • 47% have Medicare;
    • 38% have private insurance; and
    • 6% are on a government exchange health insurance plan
  • 91% have tried a complementary therapy of some kind. Most common are:
• • • 82% have tried physical therapy
    • 75% have tried exercise
    • 74% have tried hot & cold therapy
    • 67% have tried massage
    • 55% have tried chiropractic care
    • 44% have tried yoga, Tai Chi, or stretching
    • 44% have tried acupuncture
  • 99% take a medication of some kind. Most common are:
    • 89% take opioids
    • 79% take NSAIDs
    • 76% take muscle relaxers
    • 73% take topical agents
    • 73% take antidepressants
    • 70% take anticonvulsants
  • 81% have had an invasive procedure or surgery. Most common are:
    • 54% have tried an epidural
    • 48% have tried trigger point injections
    • 47% have had nerve blocks
    • 23% have had a spinal fusion
    • 69% have tried a TENS unit