In the lively region of Hesse, Germany, an unsettling trend emerges: an alarmingly high number of residents struggle with persistent discomfort. Health surveys carried out by various insurance firms reveal that this issue is more prevalent in Hesse than in other parts of the country. The consumption of painkillers has seen a significant rise over the years, with Hesse having a higher number of individuals relying on these medications to manage their pain compared to the average national figure.
Delving into the statistics, the Morbidity and Social Atlas of the Barmer Institute for Health Systems Research reports that 604 out of every 10,000 residents in Hesse grappled with chronic pain for over six months in 2021. This figure puts Hesse above the national average by six percent, which stands at 571 cases per 10,000 residents across Germany as a whole.
Examining the data more closely, it becomes apparent that the district of Main-Taunus recorded the lowest rate of chronic pain diagnoses, with 420 cases per 10,000 residents. Conversely, the Werra-Meißner district saw the highest number of chronic pain cases, with an astounding 861 cases per 10,000 residents.
Looking at the employment sector, workers in the health and social services sector aged between 40 and 59 appear to be the most affected group, with 655 cases of chronic pain per 10,000 residents. In contrast, agricultural and forestry workers reported fewer instances of chronic pain within this age group, with 220 cases per 10,000 residents.
Against this backdrop, age plays a significant role in the prevalence of chronic pain. Younger individuals aged 18 to 29 have 93 cases per 10,000 residents, whereas those aged 30 to 64 have 682 cases, and pensioners have an alarming 1515 instances per 10,000 residents. This trend underlines the stark reality that women in Hesse are more likely to suffer from chronic pain than men. According to the atlas, this disparity stands at 765 and 442 cases per 10,000 residents for women and men, respectively.
Martin Till, the Head of Barmer in Hesse, sounded the alarm bell regarding the risks associated with excessive painkiller consumption. He emphasized the importance of patients regularly consulting their doctors and developing a comprehensive medication plan, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or who take multiple medications. Surprisingly, close to 1.4 million people in Hesse were prescribed at least one painkiller in 2021.
Regarding the supply of pain management services in the outpatient sector in Frankfurt on the Main and other German cities, concerns arise. The German Society for Pain Medicine highlights that the underuse of pain medicine poses a significant challenge for those affected, with essential capacities for pain management care in dire need. Introducing a specialist in pain medicine could help bridge this gap.
Unfortunately, patients often encounter difficulties in finding adequate care, with many experiencing prolonged wait times before accessing specialized pain therapy. Recommended measures include early intervention by a multidisciplinary team, comprising medical professionals, psychologists, and physiotherapists, to improve patients' chances of managing chronic pain effectively and preventing its progression.
Further analysis of the situation reveals several factors contributing to the high prevalence of chronic pain and excessive painkiller consumption among women in Hesse. These include biological and hormonal factors, psychological factors, socioeconomic factors, lifestyle factors, and healthcare system factors. Implementing specific interventions can help mitigate this issue, such as multidisciplinary pain management programs, improving access to specialized care, promoting education and awareness, and encouraging lifestyle modifications.
References: 1. Barmer Atlas of Morbidity 2. Barmer Drug Report 2021 3. German Society for Pain Medicine 4. Various scientific literature and research publications on chronic pain, neuroinflammation, and immunological contributors.
