Brussels, 08/10/2001 (Agence Europe) - This week, the EFIC (European Federation of IASP Chapters) is inaugurating the European Week against Pain at the European Parliament in Brussels. This event aims to heighten the awareness of political decision-makers regarding the major public health problem caused by chronic pain. Chronic pain occurs among people suffering from osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, certain neuropathies especially diabetes, and also some forms of cancer. According to a study carried out in 1996, the annual cost of backache and sciatica in the United Kingdom amounted to EUR 9 billion. Another study conducted in 1995 shows that diseases affecting the muscles and the skeleton are among the most costly in terms of invalidity and absenteeism (1.7% of GNP).