The prevalence of chronic pain among adults is reported to be about 17–20% in Australia[1] and about 19% in Europe.[2] However, given the diversity of painful conditions, it can be difficult to accurately estimate the prevalence of chronic pain. One review of 165 studies from 54 countries suggests that low back pain alone affects 11.9% of adults worldwide.[3] These studies also note that older adults tend to experience more pain than younger adults.
References
- ^F M Blyth, L M March, A J Brnabic, L R Jorm, M Williamson, M J CousinsChronic pain in Australia: a prevalence studyPain.(2001 Jan)
- ^Harald Breivik, Beverly Collett, Vittorio Ventafridda, Rob Cohen, Derek GallacherSurvey of chronic pain in Europe: prevalence, impact on daily life, and treatmentEur J Pain.(2006 May)
- ^Damian Hoy, Christopher Bain, Gail Williams, Lyn March, Peter Brooks, Fiona Blyth, Anthony Woolf, Theo Vos, Rachelle BuchbinderA systematic review of the global prevalence of low back painArthritis Rheum.(2012 Jun)