Pain is a common chief complaint for patients in primary care, with approximately 10 to 20% reporting chronic pain. In a sample of general practices, chronic pain requiring pain medications and treatment was identified in 14% of patients, with 6% of these patients reporting high levels of disability because of pain. A World Health Organization survey of patients in primary care in 14 countries revealed that back, head, and joint pain are the three most commonly affected areas. Interestingly, two-thirds of patients reported pain affecting more than one body region. View More