Pain Prevalence Higher in Women, Increases Most Rapidly Before Age 55
Recent research highlights that women experience pain more frequently than men, with significant increases in prevalence occurring before the age of 55. This findings come from a comprehensive global study conducted between 1990 and 2025, involving over 6 million participants across 118 countries.
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, reveals that pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet there has been a lack of standardized methods to assess how self-reported pain varies across different demographics and regions. By analyzing self-reported pain data from individuals aged 5 to over 100, researchers aimed to fill this gap. Notably, women consistently reported higher pain levels across 11 distinct body sites compared to men.
Among the various types of pain reported, lower back pain emerged as the most common, affecting 40% of participants. In contrast, facial pain was the least frequently reported at only 2%. The study identified that the prevalence of pain tends to rise with age, with the most significant increases observed before the age of 55, particularly in areas like the hips, back, and knees.
The researchers also explored broader categories of pain, including any bodily pain, high-intensity pain, and generalized pain. For instance, while the prevalence of any bodily pain escalated steadily from roughly 30% in children to 70% in individuals aged 100 and older, high-intensity pain peaked around age 50, while generalized pain reached its highest levels around age 70. This data suggests that targeted prevention and management strategies could be most effective at different life stages.
Several factors were identified as contributors to the increased pain prevalence. Smoking, obesity, and lower household income accounted for 18.3% of the global pain burden. Individuals who smoke reported higher pain levels consistently from adolescence through age 65, with a notable association seen specifically in facial pain. Similarly, obesity has been linked to increased pain, particularly in weight-bearing joints, starting in early adulthood. Furthermore, lower income levels were associated with a higher prevalence of pain, notably chest pain, especially among those in midlife.
Experts emphasize that persistent pain should not be ignored. Dr. Vernon Williams, a sports neurologist, recommends consulting a physician when pain disrupts daily activities, sleep, or is accompanied by additional symptoms like numbness or tingling. Moreover, pain management should not rely solely on medication; lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, mindfulness, and adequate sleep can significantly impact pain perception and management.
In summary, this research underscores the importance of understanding pain dynamics across genders and age groups. With preventive measures and effective management strategies, it is possible to alleviate the burden of pain experienced by many, particularly women, in their journey through life.
