Chronic Pain Sufferers Human Rights Violated

World governments have violated the Human Rights of chronic pain sufferers by denying "tens of millions of people" narcotic drugs. "Access to Pain Treatment as a Human Right" published January 20, 2010, in BMC Medicine, points to the International Human Rights Law adopted in 1961, whereby inadequate narcotic pain treatment results in "cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment".

"Chronic Pain and Torture" by Joe Amon, validates that "this suffering that so many endure is treatable". Mr. Amon's article published in Huffington Post compared chronic pain sufferers with victims of torture. People who were interviewed from both groups are so desperate for chronic pain relief, they have contemplated suicide.

Narcotic drugs have few side effects, making the treatment worth the risk. Since morphine and other narcotic drugs are inexpensive and effective, why do world governments continue to violate fundamental human rights?

Reasons Narcotic Drugs are Denied to Chronic Pain Sufferers

Among six "barriers" to narcotic drug treatment listed in the BMC Medicine abstract, my experiences include:"restrictive drug control regulations" and "poor training of healthcare workers" and "fear among healthcare workers of legal sanctions for legitimate medical practice".

As a chronic pain sufferer from Fibromyalgia two Primary Care Doctors (PCP) refused to prescribe narcotic drugs for pain control. Neither possessed a knowledge level to oversee pain relief management; both feared their medical license would be revoked.

My current PCP wrote the insurance referral permitting pain relief management.

Pain doctors are properly trained to manage chronic pain and prescribe narcotic drugs. While degrees of pain remain subjective, pain doctors are cognizant of the potentiality of chronic pain from Fibromyalgia, arthritis or cancer and other medical conditions.

However, when narcotic drugs are prescribed for pain relief management, requirements are imposed upon the patient, such as, 1) Random urine testing and 2) Random pill count. (The chronic pain patient is made aware that at any time, the pain clinic may demand either/both without prior notification.)

Also, in accordance with DEA law, a psychiatric evaluation of the chronic pain sufferer is non-negotiable; timing of counsel is at the pain doctor's discretion. Among other criteria, a Psychiatrist must determine whether or not the person presents with an addictive personality and is proactive with other components of care, such as aquatic therapy, chiropractic care, moderate exercise and so on.

Chronic Pain Sufferers Human Rights Violated

Because physician's can't "see" excruciating pain, their modus operandi became, "It's all in your head." This dispassionate diagnosis left the chronic pain sufferer with only one right. The right to remain silent...

Now, old ways no longer serve, as both the articles cited validate - pain relief management is a fundamental Human Right

If you or a family member suffers from Fibromyalgia, cancer, arthritis or other health challenges, which create the potential of chronic pain, you have the right to take action without assuming a defensive posture.

You have the right to insist upon compassionate care and access to adequate pain control, including narcotic drugs when necessary.

References: Huffington Post - "Chronic Pain and Torture"Abstract: "Access to pain treatment as a human right"