WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined his colleagues in introducing the Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act, which directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to utilize available research to clarify the prevalence and characteristics of chronic pain, identify gaps in available research data, and develop standardized definitions for research. Additionally, the legislation will create a centralized Chronic Pain Information Hub to aggregate and summarize data, maintain a summary of research, and translate findings to recommendations for clinicians and scientists. 

“For far too long, the lack of research and resources for many Americans who suffer from chronic pain has prevented patients from receiving the care they need,” said Senator Cramer. “It’s time to put those chronic pain patients first by encouraging publicly available research and best practices to advance the quality of treatment and support across the country.”

Per the CDC, chronic pain is a debilitating condition which affects the lives of millions of adults across the United States. In 2021, the CDC estimated 20.9% of adults in the U.S. suffered from chronic pain. The National Institutes of Health reports the lack of objective measures for chronic pain ultimately hinders the development of ways to diagnose and treat it.

Many people who are diagnosed with chronic pain are often prescribed therapy and medicines. In March, Senator Cramer joined his colleagues in reintroducing legislation which would allow patients enrolled in Medicare to access chiropractic services as a non-drug alternative for pain management.

Joining Senator Cramer in introducing the Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act are U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bob Casey (D-PA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA).

“Too many Americans, especially older adults, are living with crippling pain that may prevent them from working, taking care of their children, or completing everyday tasks like cooking or cleaning,” said Senator Casey. “The Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act will ensure our Nation’s health care providers and scientists have the latest data and tools available to make progress on chronic pain and provide relief to millions.”

“With roughly 20% of our nation’s population living with chronic pain, it’s critically important that we encourage further research in this area and develop a centralized hub for Americans to access the latest information,” said Senator Blackburn. “This bipartisan legislation will equip the CDC to pull together existing resources and identify gaps where more research is needed to better inform chronic pain patients, clinicians, and scientists.”

“Many Americans live with chronic pain, which can interfere with daily life. We must do more to support people,” said Senator Kaine. “By improving data collection and data sharing, the Advancing Research for Chronic Pain Act would help researchers develop better alternatives to opioids to treat those living with chronic pain.”  

Click here for bill text.