Chronic pain that is left untreated can have far-reaching consequences that go beyond the physical sensations of ongoing discomfort. Research indicates that untreated pain impacts a person’s life physically, socially, and financially. Chronic pain can change brain circuitry and lead to the deterioration of gray matter, increase the sensitivity to pain signals, reduce the brain’s ability to release natural painkillers, and can cause emotional changes like depression and anxiety and can cause cognitive deficits. Chronic pain that is left untreated can lead to a host of medical problems, malnutrition, immobility, and the increased risk of falling. When pain is effectively treated the negative effects on the brain may be reversible.