A call for cultural transformation of attitudes toward pain and its prevention and management.

Every year, at least 116 million adult Americans experience chronic pain, a condition that costs the nation between $560 billion and $635 billion annually. The Institute of Medicine appointed a Committee on Advancing Pain Research, Care, and Education. The need for and process by which the committee developed the extensive report are described. The report, which calls for a national transformation in attitudes toward pain, and its prevention and management, is summarized.