EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL BURDEN OF PAIN

Abstract

Pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide and represents a major public health challenge because of its high prevalence, chronicity, disability, psychological consequences, and socioeconomic impact. Although pain can be an adaptive protective response to actual or potential tissue damage, persistent pain may become a disease-associated condition that substantially affects physical functioning, participation, employment, sleep, mental health, and quality of life. Epidemiological evidence demonstrates considerable variation in the prevalence of pain according to its definition, anatomical location, duration, age group, sex, geographical region, and method of assessment. Musculoskeletal conditions, particularly low back pain and neck pain, contribute substantially to the global burden of disability, while chronic primary pain and other chronic pain conditions affect millions of people.