A new national survey of more than 1,500 U.S. adults has found that nearly half of Americans (48%) are living with ongoing pain or illness that either has no clear explanation or is not responding to medical treatment as expected. The survey, conducted by the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms in partnership with XandY, reveals the staggering prevalence of neuroplastic symptoms and their significant impact on American healthcare.
The findings indicate that tens of millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain or illness not caused by injury or disease. New research shows the brain can generate pain or illness anywhere in the body through learned nerve pathways that are reversible. These neuroplastic symptoms are primarily driven by stress, trauma, emotions, and other life challenges. The healthcare costs associated with these conditions are greater than for diabetes, cancer, and heart disease combined, making this a critical public health issue.
David Clarke, MD, President of ATNS and a board-certified gastroenterologist, emphasized the treatment gap. "There are highly effective treatments for these conditions, but few people know about them," Clarke stated. "They work by training your brain to recognize and turn off unnecessary danger signals. What is most needed now is greater awareness, widespread professional training, and much better access to these solutions."
The survey results provide detailed insight into the nature of these conditions. Among those most likely to have neuroplastic symptoms, 63% have been experiencing their current symptoms for up to five years, while 37% have had symptoms for more than five years. The diversity of symptoms is substantial, with 65% reporting chronic back or neck pain; 57% experiencing muscle, limb, or joint pain; 43% suffering from chronic fatigue; and 35% dealing with headaches or migraines. Most patients live with several conditions simultaneously.
Notably, the survey found high acceptance of psychological causes among sufferers. Of people with symptoms, 76-97% believe their symptoms could have a psychological cause at least "some of the time." This openness extends to treatment options, with 47% of those most likely to have neuroplastic symptoms saying they are either "definitely" or "probably" willing to try neuroplastic psychological treatment. Only 20% said they "definitely" or "probably" would not.
Clinical evidence supports the effectiveness of neuroplastic treatments. Recent trials have documented far better outcomes with Neuroplastic Recovery Therapies compared to older methods. In the Boulder Back Pain study, pain improved by an average of 75% in just four weeks. At UCLA, male veterans achieved at least 30% pain relief nearly four times as often (63%) as those treated with traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (17%).
Co-author Matthew Goldberg, PhD, emphasized the significance of these findings. "This is not a fringe issue. Chronic, unexplained pain and illness are an urgent problem for many. Awareness of and access to effective treatments can be life-changing, as it has been for me." Co-author Abel Gustafson, PhD, added that "these findings are a roadmap for change" toward dramatically increasing understanding and treatment of neuroplastic symptoms among the public, patients, and practitioners.
The organization has released educational resources including a short video illustrating how the brain can generate symptoms and be the source of relief. Additional information about neuroplastic symptoms and treatment options is available at https://www.symptomatic.me. The survey results underscore the urgent need for healthcare systems to better recognize neuroplastic symptoms and ensure patients receive appropriate care comparable to that provided for organ disease or injury.
