Global Burden of Chronic Pain: Advances and Challenges in Pain Management and Clinical Practice

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic pain represents one of the most pervasive and disabling global health challenges, affecting quality of life, productivity, and overall well-being across diverse populations. The global burden continues to rise, fueled by aging demographics, cancer survivorship, and the growing prevalence of neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain syndromes. This Special Issue explores the evolving clinical landscape of chronic pain management, emphasizing innovative, evidence-based, and patient-centered approaches that transcend traditional pharmacologic paradigms. Advances in interventional pain procedures, neuromodulation, and regenerative therapies are reshaping how clinicians approach diagnosis and treatment. Equally important are the socio-economic and cultural determinants influencing access to care, disparities in treatment outcomes, and global policy responses aimed at improving pain education. Contributors to this issue highlight emerging translational research bridging neurobiology and precision medicine to optimize outcomes. By integrating global perspectives, this collection underscores the need for collaborative frameworks that balance innovation with accessibility and ethical responsibility. Ultimately, understanding and addressing the global burden of chronic pain requires a unified vision—one that advances science, enhances clinical practice, and restores dignity and function to those living with persistent pain.

Dr. Saba Javed
Dr. Billy Huh
Guest Editors

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