Dr. Debra Weiner, lead research of the study, says each year more than 4,000 studies related to pain are published, but only 1 percent look at pain and aging.

Weiner said chronic pain in the elderly population is viewed by many as a normal part of aging and frequently is not treated.

"Despite these growing efforts, chronic pain in the elderly is high," said Weiner. "Many turn to a self-management strategy taking fewer medications than younger people. With more research, it is possible to find new ways to treat chronic pain, bettering the lives of older adults."

According to Weiner, the number of people aged 65 and older will increase by 75 percent between 2010 and 2030, while the number of those under age 65 will increase by only 6.5 percent. With the number of older adults increasing at such a high rate, she said it is essential to find a way to treat their pain.

The research appears in the Journal Pain Medicine.