Pfizer-sponsored study highlights impact of chronic pain

Pfizer has supported a newly-published study which illustrates the impact caused by chronic pain on the European economy.

The pharmaceutical company has partnered with European experts on healthcare, economics and legislation to compile the Pain Proposal report, which shows the national costs of dealing with chronic pain can reach up to 50 billion euros (42.9 billion pounds).

It found that one in five adults on average suffers from moderate to severe chronic pain in Europe, with 21 per cent of these unable to work at all as a result.

In addition, it was suggested that awareness and healthcare provisions for the condition are currently lacking.

The document therefore proposed that EU member states do more to share best practice examples and develop national strategies for chronic pain management.

Vice-chair of the European Parliament's disability intergroup Cecilia Wikstrom said: "This pain initiative helps to increase awareness of the personal, social and economic impact of chronic pain in Europe."

Earlier this year, the company allied with the Ankylosing Spondylitis International Federation to launch a campaign raising awareness of health issues linked to lower back pain, with the support of Premier League footballer Rory Delap.