A large-scale analysis of over 6 million people reveals that pain prevalence increases most rapidly before age 55 and is consistently higher in women than men.
Key facts
- •The study analyzed data from 6,125,459 individuals spanning 118 countries between 1990 and 2025.
- •Back pain was the most frequently reported pain type, affecting 40% of study participants.
- •Women reported higher pain prevalence than men across all 11 body sites, with the largest differences in facial pain, headaches, and abdominal pain.
- •Smoking, obesity, and lower household income accounted for 18.3% of the global pain burden.
- •Facial pain was the least common type of pain reported, affecting 2% of participants.
A global study published October 5 in Nature Medicine analyzed data from over 6 million individuals across 118 countries to examine self-reported pain. The research found that pain prevalence is consistently higher in women than men across 11 body sites. Additionally, the study identified that the prevalence of pain increases most rapidly before age 55, with back pain emerging as the most commonly reported type of discomfort.
By the numbers
Patterns of Pain Across the Lifespan
Researchers observed that the likelihood of experiencing any bodily pain increases throughout the lifespan, rising from approximately 30% at age 5 to 70% among individuals aged 100 and older. While general pain prevalence trends upward with age, high-intensity and generalized pain follow different trajectories. High-intensity pain, defined as a 7 or higher on a 10-point scale, peaks around age 50, while generalized pain peaks around age 70 before declining.
Socioeconomic and Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, obesity, and lower household income were identified as significant contributors to the global pain burden, collectively accounting for 18.3% of reported pain across all body sites. Obesity showed a strong association with pain in weight-bearing joints, while lower household income was linked to higher pain prevalence starting in early adulthood. Notably, individuals with the lowest household incomes were more than twice as likely to report chest pain compared to those in the highest income brackets.
Expert Perspectives on Management
Medical experts suggest that modern lifestyle factors, such as prolonged sitting and poor posture, contribute to the high prevalence of musculoskeletal issues like back pain. Management strategies recommended by professionals include regular exercise, mindfulness, and behavioral strategies to help the nervous system regulate pain responses. Prevention remains a primary focus, with experts emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking to reduce strain on the musculoskeletal system.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
