Global study maps pain prevalence across 6.1 million people

A massive global study published in Nature Medicine has established reference curves for self-reported pain across the lifespan, utilizing data from 6.1 million individuals in 118 countries and territories. Led by McGill University, the research involved 902 data sources, including contributions from the Institute of Public Health of the University of Porto (ISPUP).

The study found that while the general prevalence of pain increases with age—rising from approximately 30% at age five to 70% at age 100—the patterns vary significantly by body region. In seven of the eleven analyzed areas, pain follows an ‘inverted U’ curve, peaking at specific ages before declining. For instance, headaches peak around age 34, abdominal pain at 23, and facial pain at 45. Conversely, pain in the back, hips, and knees continues to increase with age, reaching its maximum at 75 years or older. The most intense pain reported typically peaks around age 50, while generalized pain peaks around age 70.