Country Legend Joins Partners Against Pain^®

Singer, songwriter and patient advocate Naomi Judd is lending her voice to Partners Against Pain to raise awareness about the urgent need to address untreated and undertreated pain in America.

Naomi a former nurse knows how debilitating pain can impact a person's mind, body and spirit. She has personally seen how it affected a dear friend who suffered excruciating pain from terminal pancreatic cancer. She also knows that managing pain effectively can change lives.

"That's why I am speaking out - pain can and should be treated. For some people, pain may be inevitable, but suffering is optional," says Naomi. "Untreated pain can interfere with everyday activities that most of us take for granted: going to work, driving a car, or even hugging your children or grandchildren."

In many cases, treating pain involves an integrative approach that combines prescription medications with complementary techniques such as physical therapy, acupuncture and massage. Since each person's pain is unique and different, Naomi is encouraging patients to learn as much as they can and act as their own advocate to get proper care.

She also hopes her involvement with Partners Against Pain will help to change the way pain is perceived, and inspire those in pain to stay determined to get relief. "I want people with pain to know they're not alone, and that help is available. You have the right to be heard and to be taken seriously. You have the right to have your pain adequately managed."

Today, more than a quarter of the American population - one in four people - copes with persistent pain. ¹ It is the most common ailment that prompts people to seek medical care. ¹ Each year, pain results in more than 50 million lost workdays. ¹ The annual cost of pain to the United States including health care expenses, lost income, and lost productivity is estimated to be $100 billion. ¹