BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Persistent back pain, headaches and joint pain afflict nearly 70 million Americans and costs more than $100 billion in lost productivity and medical bills each year.

A recent panel of experts reported that because of issues with health care policy, funding and provider training, many patients are not getting the treatment they need, especially minorities and low-income patients.

To address what they call an "epidemic of under-treatment" the panel, which, among others, included neurologists, nurses, emergency physicians and pharmacists, has called for urgent health care reform and better training for doctors and medical school students on diagnosing and treating chronic pain.

The panel's report has been endorsed by 30 organizations, and includes recommendations on medical school reform, expanded funding for pain management training, and increased public awareness on the importance of treating persistent pain.