I think it depends where the pain is.

Melissa.

And it depends on what the condition is.  For example you can have chest pain and think it's a strained muscle and go about your daily life, when in actuality it could be a sign that you have heart disease/having a heart attack, that's one case where you can die from untreated pain. 

Also, I pretty much live with neck/upper back pain every day...it's a 5-6 on a scale of 1-10, so I'm able to go through the day okay, it's just really tight and might cause some moderate pain... but I'm at the point now where I might actually forget about my pain.  A few years ago I was living with a pain of 7-8, and I was miserable day in and day out, didn't want to do anything, the pain was at the forefront, couldn't focus on anything else.  During all this time, though, I was treated thru doctor and chiropractor.  That's why my pain has gotten better.  So I would say that a 5-6 is normal for me now.  Anything 7 or above on a scale of 1-10 is not really normal because it keeps you from enjoying life and doing everyday things!

Yes, Margarita, I'm sorry to say that people with untreated pain are dying now, every day.  We have a situation in this country now where 1/6 people cannot find treatment for their pain.  This is brought on by an agenda by our government which I believe, is legal genocide.  Here's how it works.  They take down good doctors, such as myself, that can help people heal from disease and the cause of pain.  The underserved, Medicare/Medicaid/ uninsured/disabled patients can't find a physician.  Their pain is untreated.  As Albert Schweitzer said, Pain is worse than Death.  So some of the people commit suicide.  Some borrow pain pills from friends, family and start treating themselves.  Some resort to using street drugs.  Not knowing how medicines compare, the dosages might be wrong.  Methadone is a big culprit in overdoses by treating themselves, because it doesn't treat acute pain, so people keep taking more, and then they stop breathing.    Meanwhile, instead of recognizing that they are the actual cause of this, the government tries to blame the doctors treating legitimate patients for the overdoses on prescription drugs. 

People who really care about what is going on in this country now needs to follow my case.  I have just been charged with drug trafficking (all lies).  I hope my case goes national.  

Wow, I never looked at it that way lindacheekmd.  That makes SO MUCH SENSE.  That means over the decades, thousands, if not millions of people are dying of pain, thru overdoses and suicides.  Why don't you write a blog on this site (just click on "Write a blogs post" on the previous page) Just a thought...

My experience with pain, and my view of health insurance companies: http://thedoctorstv.com/forums/815-May-23-2-12-How-to-Know-When-Surgery-Is-REQUIRED-/topics/13381-Try-all-options-before-surgery-b-c-you-may-not-need-it

My solution:  Go to the library and check out all books you can on alternative treatments, things you can change in your life that don't cost anything, homeopathy, vitamin and minerals, improving overall health, books on how to stretch, how to have better posture, etc.  It's mostly free, unless you try an alternative treatment that you like.