Half of Britons Live With Chronic Pain: How Chiropractic Care May Help

What the Latest Research Shows

A major study from Imperial College London has brought new clarity to how common chronic pain has become in the UK. By combining findings from 19 separate studies and reviewing the medical records of more than one 140,000 people, researchers have been able to show the true scale of the issue.

The analysis revealed that 28 million people have lived with pain lasting longer than three months. For many, this affects far more than comfort. Pain often influences mood, social habits and the ability to enjoy meaningful time with family and friends. These changes can place a heavy emotional and practical burden on households, especially those with children.

Younger Adults Are Also Affected

One of the striking findings was how many younger adults experience long-term pain. One in seven people under the age of 25 reported ongoing discomfort. The researchers suggest that increased screen time, lower activity levels and decreased diet quality may contribute to this trend.

Among adults aged 18 to 39, around three in 10 live with persistent pain. This includes those dealing with pregnancy-related discomfort, post-pregnancy recovery and sporting injuries. Headaches and back pain were common themes, often beginning early in life and continuing for many years. For those aged over 75, two out of every three people reported living with permanent pain.

How Changes in Movement Influence Pain

Although arthritis plays a role for some, many people notice meaningful relief when they work with a chiropractor. This is because research tends to measure symptoms rather than overall function. The body relies on a chain of movement, which means that when one joint becomes restricted, the entire pattern of movement can be disrupted. Over time this can lead to stiffness, reduced flexibility and eventually degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis.

Early support may help reduce the severity of these issues later in life. Many people express regret that they waited years before seeking guidance and often feel a sense of relief when they start to move more comfortably again.

“Helping someone regain the ability to move with confidence is incredibly rewarding. When pain eases and function improves, people often feel they have their life back,” says Dr Jonathan Wilson (Chiropractor).

Understanding Relief and Long-Term Improvement

People seek chiropractic care for many reasons including back pain, neck discomfort and headaches. Some concerns settle quickly while others stem from years of altered movement and reduced joint strength. This can lead to confusion between short-term symptom relief and true restoration of healthy function.

For some individuals pain fades rapidly but then returns because the deeper issues in joint motion and tissue tone were not addressed. Continued care helps the body repair and supports lasting improvement in strength, mobility and comfort.