Prevalence and characteristics of chronic musculoskeletal pain in Japan

Abstract

Background: This cross-sectional study was conducted to obtain epidemiologic data on chronic musculoskeletal pain in the Japanese people, and with it a better understanding of the actual conditions and problems involved.

Methods: A questionnaire covering basic information, chronic musculoskeletal pain, daily life, quality of life, and social loss was prepared and mailed to 11507 individuals aged 18 years or older. Subjects were selected randomly nationwide in accordance with the demographic composition of Japan.

Results: The prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain was 15.4%. The prevalence was highest in people in their 30s to 50s. Pain occurred most frequently in the low back, neck, shoulder, and knee. Among symptomatic subjects, 42% sought treatment, by visiting a medical institution (19%), taking folk remedies (20%), or both (3%). Treatment was generally prolonged, with 70% of those treated reporting treatment durations of more than a year. Although 69% reported that their symptoms had improved, 30% reported unchanged or aggravated symptoms and dissatisfaction with treatment. Among symptomatic subjects, a high percentage of both men and women had lost jobs, left school, been absent from work or school, or had changed jobs. Basic activities of daily living (ADL) were disturbed in men, and the instrumental ADL (IADL) score was low in women. SF-36 scale scores were significantly lower in every area for subjects with chronic pain.

Conclusions: Chronic musculoskeletal pain does not necessarily improve even with prolonged treatment. It adversely affects daily life and both physical and mental health. Because those suffering pain often increasingly need assistance in daily activities, people around them are also affected. The therapeutic system and treatment procedures for chronic musculoskeletal pain merit prompt review.

Fig. 1

a Most recent occurrence of pain. b Severity of pain (visual analog scale). c Duration of pain. d Prevalence: percentages of those reporting the presence or absence of chronic musculoskeletal pain

Fig. 2

Prevalence of chronic pain by occupations

Fig. 3

a Site of chronic pain (multiple answers allowed). b Site of most persistent pain

Fig. 4

Type of treatment chosen for chronic pain

Fig. 5

Treatment for chronic pain. a frequency; b duration

Fig. 6

Type of treatment received for chronic pain

Fig. 7

Monthly cost of treatment (self-pay) for chronic pain, excluding temporal expenditure, for example hospital admission and surgery

Fig. 8

Reasons for changing medical institutions

Fig. 9

Efficacy of treatment for chronic pain

Fig. 10

Satisfaction with treatment received