Depression 'an early warning sign of chronic pain'

DEPRESSION and loneliness are worse in people with chronic pain years before their aches start, research shows.

- By Ella Pickover

Researchers said pain was a “major public health concern” affecting up to 40% of the UK and Europe and was also a leading cause of disability.

It has been linked to depression and loneliness but academics wanted to understand more about the connection, particularly before discomfort starts.

Symptoms

A University College London team examined 21 years of data from a study tracking the health and wellbeing of patients. Half of over 7,300 in England aged 50 and older went on to suffer aches and pains in the back, knee, hip or foot.