Chronic pain is one of Australia’s most significant and costly health challenges. It affects millions of Australians every year and has a profound impact not only on individuals, but also on our healthcare system, workforce, and economy.
How Many Australians Live with Chronic Pain?
According to Pain Australia’s 2019 report, an estimated 3.24 million Australians were living with chronic pain in 2018. That’s around 15% of the population aged 15 and over.
Chronic pain is more than just a personal struggle – it’s a national health issue that demands serious attention.
The Economic Cost of Pain in Australia
The total cost of pain in Australia is staggering – estimated at $73.2 billion per year. This includes:
- $12.2 billion in healthcare system costs
- $48.3 billion in productivity losses
- $12.7 billion in other financial costs, such as informal care, home modifications, and deadweight losses
In addition, the reduction in quality of life experienced by those with chronic pain is estimated to be worth another $66.1 billion annually.
Long-Term Financial Burden
Without changes to current treatment approaches or a reduction in prevalence, the total cost of chronic pain in Australia is expected to rise dramatically – from $139.3 billion in 2018 to $215.6 billion by 2050 (in real 2018 dollars).
Prescription Painkillers and Opioid-Related Deaths
In 2018, 823 Australians lost their lives due to the misuse of prescription opioids – outnumbering deaths caused by heroin, cocaine, and other illicit drugs combined. This highlights the urgent need for safer, more effective pain management strategies.
What Needs to Change?
The current burden of pain in Australia is unsustainable – both financially and in terms of human lives. Expanding access to best practice care for people living with pain can lead to:
- Reduced healthcare costs
- Improved productivity
- Better quality of life for millions of Australians
A coordinated national approach is essential. That’s why Pain Australia released Australia’s first National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management on June 11, 2019. The plan outlines recommendations for improving pain prevention, early intervention, and long-term care.
👉 Click here to read the full National Action Plan
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