Severe pain peaks between ages 50 and 70, study finds

Severe, widespread and debilitating pain is most common between the ages of 50 and 70, according to an international study reported by ERR. The findings challenge the idea that everyday pain is mainly an unavoidable part of old age.

Researchers led by McGill University in Canada analysed health data from more than 6.1 million people in 118 countries. They found that the likelihood of experiencing pain rises with age, but the most intense and extensive pain peaks in midlife and then declines.

Back pain was the most common type, affecting about 40% of people. Facial pain affected around 2%. Women reported pain more often than men in every body area examined.

The study also found a sharp difference in pain levels among older people in countries with lower and higher development levels. Older adults in the least developed countries experienced back pain at nearly twice the rate of those in wealthy countries.

In wealthy countries, smoking, obesity and low income were the three main modifiable risk factors linked to pain. Together, they accounted for about 18% of the global pain burden. The share varied by region, reaching 27% in Eastern Europe and remaining below 13% in sub-Saharan Africa.

The researchers said other factors may contribute to pain in countries with lower living standards, including more physically demanding work and poorer access to pain treatment and rehabilitation. The findings were published in Nature Medicine.