Chronic pain at ages 12 to 44

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by Pamela L. Ramage-Morin and Heather Gilmour

Abstract
Keywords
Findings
Authors

Abstract

According to results from the 2007/2008 Canadian Community Health Survey, about 1 in 10 Canadians aged 12 to 44—9% of males and 12% of females, an estimated 1.5 million people—experienced chronic pain. The prevalence of chronic pain increased with age and was significantly higher among people in households where the level of educational attainment was low and among the Aboriginal population. The most common pain-related chronic conditions at ages 12 to 44 were back problems and migraine headaches. Chronic pain prevented at least a few activities in the majority of sufferers. It was associated with activity limitations and needing help with everyday tasks, and had work-related implications. Individuals with chronic pain were frequent users of health care services, and were less likely than people without chronic pain to respond positively on measures of well-being, including mood and anxiety disorders.

Keywords

ADL, anxiety disorders, cross-sectional studies, health status, health surveys, IADL, mood disorders, prevalence, quality of life

Findings

Pain lasting for several months, or persisting after an injury has healed, is considered chronic. Chronic pain affects not only individuals, but also their families, the health care system, and society as a whole. It may lead to other health concerns such as eating problems, sleep disturbances and fatigue. Absences from school, work and social activities have been linked to chronic pain. People may lose or change jobs, and in more extreme cases, cannot work at all. Mental health may be compromised; chronic pain has been associated with anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicide ideation and attempts.[Full text]

Authors

Pamela L. Ramage-Morin (Pamela.Ramage-Morin@statcan.gc.ca; 613-951-1760) and Heather Gilmour (Heather.Gilmour@statcan.gc.ca; 613-951-2114) are with the Health Analysis Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6.

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