for what reasons is suffering a problem for religious believers

By believers, be more specific. Do u mean Christians? If so, true Christians do not have suffering as a problem. True Christians realize that suffering is something they would have to overcome day by day. And true Christians are able to rejoice even in the times of suffering because they have hope for Jesus Christ died for our sins, and we are accepted as children of God. And in light of that hope we cling to, Christians can endure suffering for the sake of God's kingdom and glory forever.

It's a philosophical problem in the west and a practical one in the east.

In the west, where one supposes an all-powerful benevolent God, once has to explain why suffering would exist. Why does an all-powerful and benevolent God allow it.

In the East, where such an autority is not usually posited, suffering becomes a practical problem. We know it exists. So how do we do away with it?

Many religous people believe in a God that is loving and actively involved in our lives. But that doesn't seem to be compatible with the great amount of suffering in the human condition. This is related to the "problem of evil". Google it if you're not familiar.

suffering in this world is not a problem to believers. suffering in the world to come is the problem.

I'm Catholic and suffering to me is a high form of prayer,

We are told to take up our cross.

we are told that we should expect to suffer as our Lord suffered.

We offer it for the sin's of the world.

It's Biblical and it isn't a problem in that sense.

Certainly with heartbreak and 34 years of migraine, I call out to God and He answers me from the wealth of His mercy.

I am sustained by Him in the midst of things not fully understood.

suffering is part of life.....