Why Does It Hurt? New National Survey Reveals That Millions Suffer From Unexplained Pain and Illness

October 01, 2025 at 03:00 AM EDT

Study by the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms finds almost half of Americans live with ongoing pain or illness that is unexplained or not responding to treatment as expected, spotlighting a crisis that demands greater awareness.

PORTLAND, OR, October 01, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- 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 (ATNS) in partnership with XandY, also reveals the prevalence of different types of unexplained symptoms and how the public understands their potential causes and treatments.

Click Here for Survey Results

Tens of millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain or illness but it is not always caused by injury or disease. New research shows that the brain can generate pain or illness anywhere in the body through learned nerve pathways that are reversible. These are called neuroplastic symptoms. Stress, trauma, emotions, and other life challenges are key contributors. Costs to the healthcare system are greater than for diabetes, cancer, and heart disease combined.

"There are highly effective treatments for these conditions, but few people know about them," said David Clarke, MD, President of ATNS and a board-certified gastroenterologist. "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 Findings at a Glance:

Far from rare, these conditions are among the most common reasons people seek medical care. The survey shows:

• Symptom Duration: Among those most likely to have neuroplastic symptoms, 63% have been experiencing their current symptoms for up to five years, while 37% have had their symptoms for more than five years.
• Symptom Diversity: Among those most likely to have neuroplastic symptoms, 65% report chronic back or neck pain; 57% muscle, limb, or joint pain; 43% chronic fatigue; and 35% headaches or migraines. Most live with several conditions simultaneously.
• Perceived Psychological Cause: Of people with a symptom, 76-97% believe their symptom could have a psychological cause at least "some of the time."
• Acceptance of Psychotherapy: Among those most likely to have neuroplastic symptoms, 47% say they are either "definitely" or "probably" willing to try neuroplastic psychological treatment. Only 20% say they "definitely" or "probably" would not.

Does treatment help? Definitely yes. Recent clinical 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%).

These results offer tremendous hope that people suffering neuroplastic conditions would accept and benefit from effective treatment if they become aware of it and if barriers to access are addressed.

Co-author Matthew Goldberg, PhD added, "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."

"These findings are a roadmap for change," said co-author Abel Gustafson, PhD. "Our long-term vision is to dramatically increase the understanding and treatment of neuroplastic symptoms among the public, patients, and practitioners. They must be better equipped to recognize neuroplastic symptoms and see that healing is possible."

To illustrate the human stories behind the research, ATNS has released a short video: Pain Science Paradigm Shift. Featuring leading researchers, clinicians, and patients who have recovered, the video shows how the brain can generate symptoms and be the source of relief. Watch here: Pain Science Paradigm Shift.

"Knowledge becomes healing," expressed David Clarke, MD. "This survey shows that many people suffering from neuroplastic symptoms accept the possibility of a psychological cause. Many are open to trying neuroplastic recovery therapies. Our task now is to expand public awareness of and reduce barriers to access for these treatments. This will ensure people receive the same quality of care as patients with organ disease or injury."

Learn More:
• Website: Symptomatic.me
• Social Media: @symptomatic.me
• About the Board: Symptomatic.me/about
• Association Membership: Symptomatic.me/membership

About ATNS
The Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to educate the public, patients, and practitioners about how to diagnose and treat neuroplastic pain and illness. Founded and led by volunteer medical and mental health practitioners, researchers and patient advocates, ATNS provides the information and tools needed to recognize and treat neuroplastic conditions; explains and promotes the latest scientific research; advocates for healthcare policies that support access to quality treatment; and empowers people to advance their own healing. Learn more at www.symptomatic.me.

About XandY
Founded by two Yale scientists, XandY is an independent research and strategy firm that helps the world's most important ideas build momentum in society. XandY helps organizations locate and move the levers that create lasting change in their target audience, specializing in the most challenging situations where emotions are strong, habits are firm, opinions are polarized, misinformation is rampant, and the stakes are high. Past clients include billion-dollar corporations, major tech startups, and global NGOs. Learn more at www.xandyanalytics.com.

Online press kit: davidclarke.onlinepresskit247.com.

For more information or interview requests, contact Executive Publicist Michelle Tennant Nicholson at Michelle@WasabiPublicity.com or 828-749-3200.

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Why Does It Hurt? New National Survey Reveals That Millions Suffer From Unexplained Pain and Illness

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