Up to a quarter of a million people in Ireland who have nerve-related back pain do not look for medical help as they believe their condition is not serious enough to require treatment, a new survey has indicated.

The survey shows that this type of back pain is often under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed, despite the fact that it affects a significant proportion of the estimated 400,000 Irish people who suffer from chronic pain.

The survey showed that 48% of respondents with nerve-related back pain to not seek medical advice.

It also found that lower back pain was the most common type of back pain, affecting 40% of those surveyed, and that nearly one-in two of those surveyed had suffered from back pain for more than five years.

The research also found that people took an average of 11 days off work as a result of this type of pain, and their productivity was reduced for 26 days.

The total cost to the health system of chronic pain is estimated at €5.34 billion per year.

According to Gina Plunkett of Chronic Pain Ireland, the perception that people with this condition simply don't want to work is quite wrong.

"Many pain sufferers are productive, talented and committed employees with the same aspiration sand ambitions as people without chronic pain, and they shouldn't be limited by their condition."

She said the system is failing any people with chronic pain, preventing them from playing their full part in the workforce.

Ms Plunkett added that people with debilitating back pain and chronic pain in general need the full support and understanding of family members, friends, work colleagues and employers.

The survey was carried out by Chronic Pain Ireland and Pfizer.