Pain in the back and neck are with us until the end: a nationwide interview-based survey of Danish 100-year-olds

Abstract

Study design: Nationwide interview survey.

Objectives: To determine the 1-month prevalence and impact of back and neck pain among centenarians and to investigate associations between back and neck pain and other health measures such as physical function, depression, comorbidity, and self-rated health.

Summary of background data: To our knowledge prevalence and impact of back and neck pain has never been studied among the oldest old.

Methods: Information on the 1-month prevalence of back and neck pain and bothersomeness of back and neck pain was collected using face-to-face interviews in a nationwide survey of Danish centenarians. In addition, information on physical and mental functional abilities, self-rated health, and comorbidities were collected.

Results: Two hundred fifty-six persons completed the interview (response rate, 56%). Twenty-nine percent of women and 17% of men had experienced back pain, and 23% of women and 19% of men had experienced neck pain during the past month. This was comparable to another nationwide Danish survey of younger seniors. Twenty-one percent had been bothered by back pain either when moving, resting, or sleeping. Poor overall physical function, bad self-rated health, and higher depression score were associated with higher prevalence of back and neck pain.

Conclusion: Back pain and neck pain continue to be common and bothersome complaints even into extreme old age. Thus, back pain and neck pain are not limited to working populations.