Chronic pain affects 13 million Italians; 19% wait for a diagnosis for 10 years

  • Approximately 1 in 4 patients waits three years for an adequate diagnosis and suitable therapies.
  • Another quarter experiences an average waiting time of 1 to 3 years.
  • Spain excels, with 60% of patients typically receiving a diagnosis within a year.
  • Italy reports concerning figures, with 19.1% of men (1 in 5) waiting up to 10 years, and 11.2% of women (1 in 10) facing extended delays.
  • Survey highlights the difficulty of patients in Italy presenting their issues to specialists promptly.
  • Most patients in the four countries consult 1 to 4 general practitioners before reaching a specialist.
  • Notably, 17.7% of Italian patients (1 in 6) consult 5-10 doctors before finding the right specialist.

Primary care physicians play a significant role, with 29.9% of patients receiving their diagnosis directly from family doctors.

Those who promptly consult specialists (42.6% in the UK, 31.7% in Germany, 53.8% in Italy, and 26.1% in Spain) receive a diagnosis within a year.

According to an article published on Sole24Ore on October 24, 2022, 13 million Italians suffer from chronic pain, and 19% of them have been waiting for a diagnosis for 10 years.

Over 100 million people in Europe, including 13 million in Italy, grapple with chronic pain, enduring it through diverse treatments. A survey in Germany, the UK, Spain, and Italy revealed that Italian patients may wait up to 10 years for a correct diagnosis, often overlooked by physicians.

Chronic pain, lasting over three months, impacts anyone across ages and body parts. It’s categorized as nociceptive (from injury) or neuropathic (nerve-related). Back pain and conditions like fibromyalgia are prevalent.

This condition severely affects daily life, hindering work and relationships. Italy sees a concerning trend with 25.7% not consulting specialists, 15% unaware, and 13% finding no local solutions. Financial constraints led around 11% to abandon treatment.

Giovanni Frigerio, from Istituto Clinico Villa Aprica, stresses the importance of early intervention, noting delayed access hampers pain therapy success.

Similar challenges exist in Germany, where 16.8% were unaware of specialized doctors, and Spain, with 36% receiving no advice. The UK faced a notable 47.4% not directed to specialists, and 19.2% unaware.

Laura Demartini, from Ics Maugeri in Pavia, attributes patient challenges to organizational and cultural factors. Despite legislative efforts, timely access to pain therapy remains elusive.

This issue demands attention, as chronic pain not only impacts individuals but constitutes a significant societal concern.

Chronic Pain