Pain management strategies and self-estimated costs among Spanish individuals with chronic pain

Chronic pain affects up to 20% of the population, impacting quality of life and generating substantial costs. However, the relationship between pain management strategies, their associated costs, and related factors remains poorly understood. This study aimed to explore these aspects through a survey in Spain. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 511 people with chronic pain. The survey assessed pain characteristics, pain management strategies, satisfaction, costs, and willingness to pay. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and OLS regression models. Participants, predominantly women (89%) with an average age of 51, reported low back (84%) and neck pain (75%) as common pain sites. On average, 18 pain management strategies were used per person, with resting (99.8%) and prescribed medication (98%) being the most common. Higher pain intensity, longer duration, female gender, and higher education were associated with using more strategies. The average annual cost was approximately €1563, increasing with the number of strategies, income, younger age, and female gender. Passive strategies were widely used, potentially perpetuating pain. Despite frequent use of active strategies, promoting healthier lifestyles could improve outcomes. The high economic burden highlights the need for more effective, cost-efficient pain management approaches. Many people live with chronic pain, a pain that lasts for a long time, and this can affect their daily lives, wellbeing, and finances. This study asked, with an online survey, 511 people in Spain how they manage their chronic pain and how much money they believe they spend on these strategies. Most people in the study were women (89%), with an average age of 51. The most common pain sites were the lower back (84%) and the neck (75%). People used many different ways to manage their pain. On average, each person used 18 strategies. The most common were resting (almost everyone) and taking prescribed medication (98%). People with more intense or long-lasting pain, women, and those with more education tended to use more strategies. The average cost for pain care was about €1,563 per year. This cost was higher for people who used more strategies, had a higher income, were younger, or were women. The results suggest that many people relied on passive approaches, like resting, which may not always help in the long term. Although active strategies (such as exercise or lifestyle changes) were also used, promoting healthy habits may improve results for people with chronic pain. Overall, chronic pain places a high financial and personal burden on individuals. These findings highlight the need for better support and more affordable, effective options to help people manage ongoing pain.