Chronic Pain Treatment in the U.S. is often not treated properly   Chronic pain is a huge issue in the United States, and is estimated to cause more productivity loss than the combined productivity loss of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. It is estimated that productivity loss due to chronic pain costs around $100 billion a year. Productivity loss is not measured only by time lost at work; if not managed properly chronic pain can lead to depression, complete job loss, and suicide. While back pain is a major source of chronic pain for Americans, chronic pain is also caused by cancer (especially due to nerve damage in cancer survivors), and those with other illnesses such as arthritis and migraine headaches. The report states that unfortunately, many in the medical field are not properly educated on how to treat chronic pain. In addition, many in the medical community have a skewed outlook on drug dependency and are wary of patients seeking pain medications, especially young males. This can sometimes lead to lack of medical care. A growing number of medical experts are very clear that although some people are addicted to pain medications and are being overmedicated, the biggest issue is under-treatment for chronic pain. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: What a lawyer says at a disability hearing Question about qualifying for SSI Social Security Disability SSI and Chronic Pain Does Social Security Disability Come With Medicaid Benefits? Getting a Social Security Disability overpayment forgiven Can your doctor get you on disability? When you apply for disability, do they investigate you? Help from your doctor to get disability Applying for Disability or SSI - How long does it take How to file for disability in Ohio How to file for disability in Minnesota Enough Work Credits For Social Security Disability Benefits? Memory loss and filing for disability How to file for disability in West Virginia Social Security Disability, SSI, Mental Disorders, Functional Limitations Chiari Malformation and Filing for Disability