'Inadequacies' leave arthritis patients in pain, says survey

Major inadequacies in the management of pain resulting from arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems are causing unnecessary pain to thousands of patients across Europe, according to research published today.

The Arthritis Action Group (AAG), a European body of leading physicians and academics, has called for "immediate medical and political action" after it found that eight out of 10 patients were in constant and daily pain.

The AAG surveyed 5,803 people with musculoskeletal pain and 1,483 family doctors across eight EU countries, and found that many patients endured symptoms without access to effective treatment and often without consulting medical advice.

The survey revealed that up to 57% of respondents reported being in constant pain and up to 22% reported being in daily pain. Many people said that they suffered in silence – up to 27% of people with musculoskeletal pain never consulted a physician about their pain and those who sought help may have waited several years before consulting their doctor

Poor diagnosis may also be a concern as up to 33% of those who consulted a physician reported that the cause of pain was not diagnosed

Dr Niel Amin, Practising GP, White Lodge Medical Practice, Enfield, said: "Longer life expectancy, with an increase in the number of elderly, is leading to an enormous increase in the numbers of those with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions which cause pain and disability.

"Although the diseases that kill attract much of the public's attention, musculoskeletal pain is a major cause of suffering, with a substantial influence on health and quality of life, stopping people doing what they want to do. It inflicts an enormous burden of cost on health systems."

The AAG, sponsored by Pfizer, is a pan-European group of 17 leading physicians and academics, working together to advance awareness of musculoskeletal pain and management choices.

(gmcg)