The chronic pain market is estimated to reach USD 50,611.1 million in 2024. It is estimated that revenue will increase at a CAGR of 4.0% between 2024 and 2034. The market is anticipated to reach USD 74,757.4 million by 2034.
Rise in prevalence of neuropathic pain, increase in geriatric population have resulted in increased demand for chronic pain management. Drug Class including opioids, NSAIDs, Local Anesthetics and Acetaminophen served critical role in pain management during surgery, cancer, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal and joint pain etc.
Oral route of administration is most widely used among other route such as injectable, rectal, topical, transdermal etc. Due to the increase regulation and awareness about the opioids misuse there have been a shift toward non-opioid therapy. The trend of combination therapy were multiple treatment and medications are given simultaneously is rising which has led to chronic pain market growth.
Chronic Pain Industry Assessment
| Attributes | Key Insights |
|---|---|
| Historical Size, 2023 | USD 48,937.5 million |
| Estimated Size, 2024 | USD 50,611.1 million |
| Projected Size, 2034 | USD 74,757.4 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 4.0% |
The long-term after-effects of COVID-19, prevalence of high-impact chronic pain, and opportunities in underserved populations, fuels the chronic pain market.
In many cases, patients recovered from COVID-19 complain of persistent symptoms like fatigue, dyspnea, and chronic pain, research also show that 20-40% of subjects with COVID-19 infections develop long-lasting after-effects. It has acted to increase consumption both of opioids and non-opioid analgesics, because the need for effective pain management continues to rise.
HICP affects approximately 6.9-8.0% of adults in the USA and is mainly responsible for economic and quality-of-life burdens. Increased awareness about HICP enhances the need for improved therapies that not only reduce personal but also societal burdens.
Being able to target underserved populations, such as pediatric and geriatric patients, offers significant market opportunities due to the unique pain management needs associated with both age group.
However, the opioid crisis is presenting significant challenges to the market. According to the data presented by Health Canada in 2021, 7,560 death occurred due to opioid poisoning. Increased opioid misuse and overdose has resulted in a surge of opioid prescription controls, ultimately making the drugs less available for chronic pain management.
Conversely, the movement toward non-opioid therapies and new pain management solutions is stronger. As new treatment option emerge and access to healthcare increase in emerging market such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America the chronic pain market is expected to grow.
Don't pay for what you don't need
Customize your report by selecting specific countries or regions and save 30%!
The below table presents the expected CAGR for the global chronic pain market over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2023 to 2034, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 4.9%, followed by a slightly lower growth rate of 4.6% in the second half (H2) of the same decade.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 4.9% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 4.6% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 4.0% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 3.6% (2024 to 2034) |
Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2024 to H2 2034, the CAGR is projected to decrease slightly to 4.0% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 3.6% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the market witnessed a decrease of 90 BPS while in the second half (H2), the market witnessed a decrease of 100 BPS.
Post-COVID Pain Symptoms Drive Growth in Chronic Pain Market
Post the infection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 infection has been recovered, health problems were still being confronted by patients. These included symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, muscular weakness, and chronic pain. Studies provide evidence for 20 to 40% of the COVID-19 recovered population to have developed long lasting symptoms continuing to affect quality of life. Musculoskeletal pains and headaches are common, affecting patients by about 25 to 30% respectively.
This situation shows a constant increase in the consumption of opioids according to data by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products. From 19.79 DDD per 1,000 inhabitants in 2019, the consumption grew to 20.88 DDD in 2021. An even bigger surge in consumption was observed with the non-opioid analgesic from 32.9 DDD in 2019 to 40.05 DDD in 2021. The increase in both opioid and non-opioid consumptions points out to increased demand for chronic pain management post-COVID.
The increased pain and discomfort in survivors of COVID-19 have managed to raise the demand bar high for effective pain relief, hence boosting the chronic pain market.
The consistently increasing utilization of opioids and non-opioid analgesics indicates toward an increasing market demand for pain management therapies due to the long-term effects of COVID-19. Because of this, it has catalyzed market growth and placed a further emphasis on innovation and access to pain management solutions.
High-impact Chronic Pain Drives Increased Demand for Advanced Pain Management Solutions
High-impact chronic pain is the most severe subset of chronic pain, and it significantly contributes to the market growth. Using data from The National Health Interview Survey, at the population level, HICP affects approximately 6.9% to 8.0% of the adult population in the United States.
Its prevalence rates range similarly between 5.7% and 7.8% in the UK. The Middle East reports about 4% of the adult population has HICP. Chronic pain, especially HICP, lays a high burden with major losses in earnings, productivity, and quality-adjusted life years due to substantial public health difficulties.
The economic impact of HICP extends beyond direct healthcare costs. It affects broader economic indicators such as GDP growth and employment rates. As labor markets tighten and wage growth pressures increase, there is a heightened urgency for effective pain management solutions that can help maintain workforce participation and productivity levels.
The HICP acts as a major driver for the chronic pain market, simply because its pervasive effect strikes at individual quality of life and productivity. As the demand to alleviate the personal and economic consequences of HICP increases, so does that for sophisticated therapies and treatments. This is reflected in the growing market demand, as stakeholders work towards improving the quality of life and easing the economic load instituted by severe chronic pain.
Targeting Underserved Patient Populations and Expansion into Emerging Regions Provides an Opportunity for Market Growth
Meeting the needs of underserved patient segments, such as the pediatric and geriatric patient groups provides growth opportunity. Children and elderly persons have special pain management needs arising out of factors such as age, physiology, and susceptibility to side effects.
For example, dosing and formulation of drugs differ in pediatric patients, whereas the geriatric population has many comorbid conditions that make pain management complex. A large number of solutions for pain management have been traditionally developed for adult populations, leaving gaps in the management of these groups.
This is further upheld in the emerging markets of the Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where access to advanced healthcare and solutions of pain management have been quite low. As these regions are undergoing rapid economic growth and awareness about the pain treatment is increasing, market players have the opportunity to capture these evolving market.
Patient suffering from arthritis and diabetes require effective pain management. With the growing geriatric population this condition will become more prevalent. Development of healthcare infrastructure and rise in geriatric population is an important factor in the market growth in the underserved region.
Growing Opioid Misuse and Associated Risk Hinder the Market Growth
Opioids have long been a mainstay for treating chronic pain. However, their misuse and associated risk have driven a great public health crisis. This has, in turn, forced greater scrutiny and regulation upon the prescription of opioids, therefore limiting their use in managing chronic pain.
While these restrictions are very well implemented with a reason in mind-namely, to help fight against misuse-they continue to pose a challenge to healthcare professionals and patients in finding alternative effective pain modalities.
According to Health Canada, in a report from March 2022, the country experienced its worst year for opioid overdoses in 2020 since the Public Health Agency of Canada started to track the crisis in 2016. In 2021, there were 7,560 deaths resulting from opioid intoxication, averaging 21 deaths per day.
The three jurisdictions reporting the highest numbers of opioid-related deaths were British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario; these provinces accounted for 88% of the total number. These are quite frankly alarming numbers reflecting the rate at which opioid misuse has impacted public health.
The big restraint in the chronic pain market is created by the opioid growing epidemic. Risks associated with opioids have led to more regulated prescription, making it less available for the treatment of chronic pains.
Principal Consultant
The chronic pain industry recorded a CAGR of 3.1% between 2019 and 2023. According to the industry, chronic pain generated USD 48,937.5 million in 2023, up from USD 43,231.4 million in 2019.
Initially opioids prescriptions dominated the chronic pain market, reflecting a strong focus on pharmacological management. The consequent widespread use of opioids for various pain conditions occurred despite concern about addiction and misuse. Over the years regulatory bodies began emphasizing need for safer alternatives, thus prompting a shift toward more comprehensive pain management strategies.
Currently the market is transitioning toward precision medicine. Adoption of various digital health technologies, such as wearables and mobile applications is enhancing patient monitoring devices. These innovations facilitate tracking pain levels and treatment efficacy in real time, thereby offering personalized treatment. Besides, over-the-counter medications and alternative therapies are also gaining traction as patients seek effective yet safer options.
As market players are focusing on research and development new innovation in drug-delivery technology systems are emerging. Development of extended release formulation provide longer drug release which results in drug action over extended period of time. Topical route of administration such as patched and gels delivers the medication directly to pain site. This reduces the systemic side effects.
The future of the chronic pain market is likely to continue its steps toward personalized medicine, where treatment decisions incorporate genetic and biomarker information. Telemedicine will also bring better access to pain management services, particularly in unserved regions.
Companies in the Tier 1 sector account for 17.4% of the global market. Tier 1 players’ offer a wide range of Drug Class and have established industry presence. Having financial resources enables them to enhance their research and development efforts which allow them to expand into new markets.
A strong brand recognition provide them with a competitive advantage. Prominent companies within Tier 1 include Pfizer Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG and GSK plc.
Tier 2 players dominate the industry with a 28.6% market share. Tier 2 firms have a strong focus on a specific Drug Class and a substantial presence in the industry, but they have less influence than Tier 1 firms. The players are more competitive when it comes to pricing and target niche markets. New Drug Class and services will also be introduced into the industry by Tier 2 companies.
Tier 2 companies include Novartis AG, AstraZeneca, Abbott, AbbVie Inc, Bayer AG, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [Johnson & Johnson], Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eisai Co., Ltd., Bausch Health Companies Inc and others.
Compared to Tiers 1 and 2, Tier 3 companies have smaller revenue spouts and less influence. Those in Tier 3 have smaller work force and limited presence across the globe. Prominent players in the tier 3 category are Sanofi, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P., Endo, Inc., Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC., Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and others.
Get the data you need at a Fraction of the cost
Personalize your report by choosing insights you need
and save 40%!
The section below covers the industry analysis for the chronic pain market for different countries. Market demand analysis on key countries in several regions of the globe, including North America, Latin America, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Middle East and Africa (MEA), is provided. The United States is anticipated to remain at the forefront in North America through 2034. India is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2034.
| Countries | Value CAGR (2024 to 2034) |
|---|---|
| USA | 1.8% |
| Canada | 3.0% |
| Germany | 1.5% |
| France | 4.4% |
| Spain | 2.7% |
| China | 7.9% |
| India | 8.1% |
| Japan | 3.3% |
The United States has a high prevalence of chronic pain, hence presenting a significant patient population in dire need of effective treatment modalities. According to the data from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in 2021 around 20.9% of USA adult population experienced chronic pain and 6.9% experience high impact chronic pain.
The integration of telemedicine and wearable devices has increased patient engagement through remote monitoring. Thus increasing access and personalization of pain management. Moreover, government initiatives continue to support the integration of AI and machine learning into health care, hence developing further the current available treatments.
This adoption was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing toward the need for convenience in access to healthcare. Besides, there is a greater focus on patient-oriented care, which again shifts the axis toward multidisciplinary pain management. All these factors put together influence strong growth in the chronic pain market of the USA, which is projected to continue in the next few years.
Germany is experiencing surge in the geriatric population, which is prone to conditions like arthritis and neuropathic pain. This has lead to a higher demand for effective pain management solutions. As per World Bank data the total population above age 65 is around 19 million which roughly the 1 fifth of the total Germany population.
Besides this, Germans are increasingly becoming health-conscious, which makes people seek medication that can cure them not only physically but also mentally, reducing stress. The country also has an advanced healthcare system and related research and development to reduce pain; therefore, allowing access to new therapies for pain management.
Furthermore, Germany has seen an increase in surgical procedures, often resulting in postoperative pain that requires effective management. The combination of these factors positions Germany as a leader in the European chronic pain market, with substantial growth anticipated in the coming years.
The rapid urbanization along with aging population is contributing to an increase in chronic pain condition in China. This means more people are seeking effective treatment for pain management. The Chinese government is also making huge investments into health infrastructures, which has improved the rate at which access to treatments and medications for chronic pain diseases becomes available.
Besides that, the consciousness of healthcare professionals regarding the unmet needs in pain caused by chronic states has turned them to be more proactive in treatment. The move to non-opioid therapies, implementation of digital health technologies such as symptom tracking using mobile apps, and telemedicine are also encouraging this market to expand its wings by offering innovative, easily accessible management options for chronic pain.
A description of the leading segments in the industry is provided in this section. The opioids segment held 42.8% of the value share in 2024. Based on the route of administration, oral segment held 44.5% of the market in 2024.
| Drug Class | Opioids |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 42.8% |
Opioids have become popular in chronic pain management due to the strong analgesic action, which offers substantial improvement in cases of moderate to intense pain. Their historic use, especially since the late 20th century, created an impression of safety and efficacy, further widening their prescribing practices. While numerous non-opioid alternatives exist, many patients find them less effective for certain types of pain.
Thus, opioids become a way to resort to when other treatments are not effective. Additionally, patient expectations for quick relief and provider pressures contribute to opioid prescriptions. Despite growing awareness of risks such as addiction and overdose, clinical guidelines still recognize opioids as appropriate for specific cases, particularly in severe or unresponsive chronic pain conditions.
This combination of effectiveness, historical context, and clinical acceptance underscores opioids' continued popularity in pain management, even as the need for careful risk assessment and consideration of alternative therapies remains critical.
| Route of Administration | Oral |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 44.5% |
Oral medications are easy to administer, with no special training or equipment required, and thus allow patient to take medicines at home. Patients are more compliant with oral regimens than with injectable or other forms because they can administer these medications themselves without needing an healthcare provider.
Oral medications generally cost less than injectable medications, where the administration and equipment costs may be much higher. Most oral analgesics include opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that have some record of efficacy for a wide range of chronic pain.
Other routes of administration, like injectable, rectal, topical, and transdermal, are not as widely used due to discomfort, complications in administering the drug, and side effects, therefore reinforcing the preference toward oral medications of chronic pain.
The market is characterized by the presence of both established and emerging players. Company are constantly devising new strategy to stay ahead in the competition. One of the most common move within the arsenal of well-established company is to acquire the emerging pharma and biopharma players. This approach allows the company to expand their product portfolio and technical expertise in the new areas of pain management.
Recent Industry Developments in the Chronic Pain Market
In terms of Drug Class, the industry is segmented into opioids (morphine, codeine, fentanyl, meperidine, methadone, tramadol, oxycodone, dextromethorphan, buprenorphine, and other opioids) NSAIDs, local anesthetics, and acetaminophen.
In terms of Product Type, the industry is bifurcated into OTC products and prescription drugs.
In terms of Indication, the industry is segregated into surgical pain, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, musculoskeletal and joint pain, and other indication.
In terms of Route of Administration, the industry is bifurcated into injectable, oral, rectal, topical, transdermal, and others.
In terms of Distribution Channel, the industry is segregated into hospital pharmacies, specialty clinics, long term care centers, retail pharmacies, and online pharmacies.
Key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, South Asia and Pacific, East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa have been covered in the report.
Chronic Pain industry is expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.0% between 2024 and 2034.
The opioids segment is expected to occupy a 42.8% market share in 2024.
The market for chronic pain is expected to reach USD 74,757.4 million by 2034.
The United States is forecast to see a CAGR of 1.8% during the assessment period.
The key players in the chronic pain industry include Pfizer Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, GSK plc., Novartis AG, AstraZeneca, Abbott, AbbVie Inc, Bayer AG, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [Johnson & Johnson], Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Eisai Co., Ltd., Bausch Health Companies Inc, Sanofi, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Purdue Pharmaceuticals L.P., Endo, Inc., Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC.
Explore Healthcare Insights
View Reports
Chronic Pain Market
