Breaking the Silence on Chronic Pain and Its Impact on the GCC

(MENAFN- Arda Arat, Haleon (GNE)) Opinion Piece


The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is lauded as a powerhouse of progress - a dynamic region that effortlessly bridges East and West while spearheading global energy markets, trade ecosystems, and groundbreaking advancements. Yet, behind its vibrant metropolises, a quieter, more sinister health challenge persists - one that many citizens are silently grappling with: chronic pain.

Chronic Pain: A Burden on Body, Mind, and Well-Being

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), chronic pain affects more than 20% of the world’s population, equivalent to one in five people. Alarmingly, 91% of the global population experiences some form of pain annually , with 1.5 billion people suffering from back pain alone - making it the most prevalent chronic condition in the world.

Chronic pain can persist for months or even years, causing much more than just physical discomfort. It strips individuals of their ability to work, cultivate relationships, and engage in everyday activities. For many, it can even trigger a downward spiral into mental health struggles, intensifying the isolation and stigma they already face. This emotional toll is overwhelming, with two in five people reporting feelings of loneliness when in pain - a sentiment echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which identifies loneliness as a major public health concern.
Confronting the GCC’s Hidden Health Crisis

In the GCC, the prevalence of chronic pain underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. In Saudi Arabia, 46.4% of the adult population battles chronic pain, with 4% enduring high-impact cases where pain drastically limits daily activities - disproportionately affecting women and the elderly . Similarly, in the UAE, 60% of residents experience back pain, a condition linked to sedentary lifestyles and occupational hazards . As the aging populations in the GCC continue to grow, a particularly heartbreaking reality is that the prevalence of chronic pain is set to skyrocket, mirroring global trends where pain often peaks in middle age and impacts up to 80% of individuals. The increasing demand for healthcare services to address chronic conditions like pain underscores the need for a shift in health management, emphasizing a more holistic and proactive approach to care.

The Way Forward: Policy and Community Initiatives

While chronic pain is undeniably debilitating, there is hope in combating this health crisis head-on through education, self-care interventions, and public awareness campaigns, which are instrumental in promoting health literacy. These initiatives embolden patients to seek help, advocate for themselves, and make informed decisions about their care.

For example, self-care, in this context, allows patients to take charge of their health, address pain management at home, and improve overall well-being. With greater access to tools and resources, people can seek immediate relief, manage their condition more effectively, and potentially reduce their need for frequent medical visits. Additionally, the integration of AI into pain management has also emerged as a promising advancement in self-care. AI-powered tools, such as mobile apps and wearable devices, can now assist patients in managing chronic pain independently at home.

With these advancements in mind, the GCC’s strong healthcare infrastructure and forward-looking policies can play a crucial role in addressing chronic pain more effectively. Governments must classify chronic pain as a critical public health issue, incorporating it into national health strategies and ensuring substantial funding is allocated to research and treatment programs. This should also involve increasing access to non-prescription medications, expanding digital health services, and prioritizing health literacy to empower individuals and improve pain management.
Concurrently, medical institutions must commit to continuous education for healthcare professionals, arming them with the latest pain management techniques and comprehensive knowledge. Initiatives like Haleon’s Pain Management Institute are essential in this collective effort, offering a valuable blueprint for community engagement - helping demystify chronic pain while championing holistic management strategies.

A Vision for a Healthier Future

The time to act is now. Governments, healthcare providers, and communities must unite to prioritize chronic pain within healthcare systems and promote self-care practices. This issue demands a comprehensive, multidimensional approach that includes enhanced education, greater awareness, and strengthened support – allowing individuals to take control of their chronic pain and general health. Through our collective efforts, we can combat stigma and create a future where chronic pain is not only recognized but properly managed to build a healthier, more compassionate future for everyone.
 

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