What percentage of people with chronic pain experience episodes of breakthrough pain while being treated with medication?

Breakthrough pain refers to transient flares of pain that occur despite the use of pain management medications, often interrupting the relief that those medications provide. Research indicates that a significant portion of individuals with chronic pain experiences these episodes, with estimates suggesting that around 70% of patients on long-acting or chronic pain medications report experiencing breakthrough pain at some point.

This high percentage highlights the complexity of chronic pain management, as it underscores that even with medication, individuals may still encounter periods of exacerbated pain. Understanding this statistic is crucial for healthcare providers and patients alike, as it emphasizes the need for comprehensive pain management plans that may include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to adequately address the realities of living with chronic pain.