Health & Medicine

A next-gen pain drug shows promise, but chronic sufferers need more options

Researchers agree that most patients will benefit from a mix of treatments

An illustration of a woman with chronic pain in her upper and lower back, wrists and feet

About 20 percent of adults in the United States suffer from chronic pain. Scientists hope new research translates into new options for relief.

ANDRII SHYP/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

By Cassandra Willyard

Megan Hodge’s first bout of intense pain arrived when she was in her mid-20s. Hodge and her husband were getting ready to visit family for Thanksgiving. Though Hodge had been dealing with a variety of chronic health issues, her workout had gone well that morning and she finally felt like she was getting a handle on her health.