Chronic Pain in the US
Dr. Carl Noe highlights the growing incidence of chronic pain in the United States and the need for more interdisciplinary pain programs. He emphasizes that almost half of Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain, yet the availability of specialized pain management programs is insufficient. Dr. Noe advocates for interdisciplinary treatments, which are crucial for improving physical activity, returning to work, and reducing medication reliance. The lecture underlines the importance of a well-coordinated team comprising pain specialists, nurses, psychologists, and therapists to achieve effective pain management.