RALEIGH -- Traumatic injuries often draw more attention than chronic pain because of the immediate impact, if not medically treated. But chronic pain presents its own dilemmas.

The Carolinas Pain Institute's Dr. James North says the cost of chronic pain is staggering.

 "It is estimated that over one hundred million patients in the United States are suffering from some sort of chronic painful condition that is actually more costly than the annual cost of cancer, heart disease and diabetes combined."

According to Dr. North one of the main treatments for chronic illnesses is prescription medication, which carry side affects that include a higher likelihood of addiction.