Chronic Pain: A Multifaceted Challenge Demanding Holistic Solutions
Madrid,January 27,2025 – Chronic pain is more than just physical discomfort; it’s a pervasive health issue affecting millions globally. Beyond the physical toll, it substantially impacts emotional well-being, work performance, and quality of life. Dr. Valentina Maitin, a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, emphasizes the need to address chronic pain from a holistic viewpoint, considering its psychosocial and workplace implications.According to the Spanish Pain Society (SED), 17% of Spain’s population suffers from chronic pain, posing a substantial challenge to both healthcare and economic systems. This issue is not unique to Spain. A study published in Pain magazine revealed that in 2019,chronic pain cost the U.S. economy $296 billion annually due to lost productivity.
Chronic pain is often linked to musculoskeletal conditions like low back pain, cervical pain, and knee osteoarthritis, increasingly affecting individuals of working age. Dr. Maitin explains that patients face a dual burden: physical symptoms and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress. “Chronic pain is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. Not only physically disables, but also deteriorates the patient’s mental health. The lack of mobility and stress related to work decline create a vicious cycle that feeds up, further making recovery challenging,” she says.
To combat this, Dr. Maitin advocates for a multidisciplinary and integral approach. Physical medicine and rehabilitation, enriched by non-invasive techniques, therapeutic exercises, and emotional management, helps patients regain control of their lives. This holistic method not only alleviates physical pain but also enhances emotional well-being, self-esteem, social relationships, and readiness to return to work.
Recent studies highlight the direct link between chronic pain and work absenteeism. The european Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) found that nearly 60% of work-related disabilities in the EU are tied to musculoskeletal issues and chronic pain. This underscores the urgent need for rehabilitation programs addressing both physical and psychological aspects, with patients actively participating in their recovery.
Dr. Maitin stresses the importance of patient involvement in rehabilitation. “In rehabilitation, the best results are obtained when the doctor and the patient work as a team to achieve a common goal,” she notes. Through her clinical practice,she has seen notable improvements in patients’ quality of life and work reintegration when treatments incorporate emotional components. “It is not just about relieving physical pain, but helping people retake control of their lives and well-being. Rehabilitation should be a tool for patient empowerment,” she adds.
| Key Insights on Chronic Pain |
|———————————-|
| Prevalence: 17% of Spain’s population suffers from chronic pain. |
| Economic Impact: Chronic pain cost the U.S. $296 billion in lost productivity in 2019. |
| Common Conditions: Low back pain, cervical pain, knee osteoarthritis. |
| Workplace Impact: 60% of EU work disabilities are linked to musculoskeletal issues and chronic pain. |
| Solution: Multidisciplinary rehabilitation combining physical and emotional care. |
Dr. Maitin’s approach to chronic pain through physical medicine and rehabilitation offers a promising path to recovery, improving both productivity and emotional well-being. For more data on her work, visit Dr.Valentina Maitin’s profile.
Chronic pain is not just a personal struggle; it’s a societal challenge requiring comprehensive solutions. By adopting a holistic approach, we can empower patients to reclaim their lives and well-being.
