Chronic pain cases surge in U.S. adults post-pandemic, study reveals

Chronic pain prevalence in U.S. adults spikes to record high after pandemic

BUFFALO, N.Y.: Chronic pain in the United States has surged to its highest prevalence ever recorded, with more than 10 million new cases reported in 2023, according to a new study published in the journal PAIN. Researchers caution that this alarming rise poses significant challenges for public health, healthcare systems, and long-term policy planning.

In 2019, around 50 million U.S. adults (20%) reported living with chronic pain — defined as pain experienced on most days for at least three months. By 2023, the figure had risen to over 60 million adults (24%), reflecting a substantial increase in just four years.

Key findings of the study

• High-impact chronic pain (HICP) — pain severe enough to restrict daily activities — increased from 7.5% in 2019 to 8.5% in 2023, affecting more than 21 million people.
• Significant rises were observed in nearly all pain categories, including back and neck pain, migraines, and joint pain.
• Tooth and jaw pain remained the only category without an increase.
• The surge was consistent across all age groups, genders, ethnicities, education levels, and regions.

“This is the highest prevalence of chronic pain ever recorded in the U.S.,” said Hanna Grol-Prokopczyk, PhD, associate professor of sociology at the University at Buffalo and lead author of the study. “The increase underscores the urgent need for prevention strategies, better treatment options, and policies that address the daily challenges faced by patients.”

Possible drivers of the increase

Researchers suggest several factors may have contributed to the surge:

• COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, which worsened existing health conditions and reduced access to medical care.
• Delayed or forgone treatments for pain and related conditions during lockdown periods.
• Policy shifts around opioid prescriptions, which may have reduced access to pain medication without adequate alternatives.
• Long COVID symptoms, now recognized as a contributor to chronic pain.

Implications for healthcare and policy

Experts warn that the growing burden of chronic pain will strain healthcare resources and increase disability rates if left unaddressed. Chronic pain is already linked to higher risks of depression, unemployment, and reduced quality of life.

“Policymakers must understand that pain is not just an individual medical issue — it’s a major public health crisis that requires coordinated responses,” added Grol-Prokopczyk.

The authors call for:

• Investment in non-opioid pain management approaches, such as physical therapy, behavioral health interventions, and integrative care.
• Expanded research into long COVID and its links to chronic pain.
• Revised guidelines and insurance coverage to improve access to multidisciplinary care.

With chronic pain now affecting nearly 1 in 4 American adults, experts say the time for urgent action has arrived.

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