01/06/2026
Socioeconomic Factors Double Risk of Disabling Chronic Pain
New Duke Orthopaedics study reveals that socioeconomic disparities significantly increase the risk of high-impact chronic pain—pain that limits daily activities on most days.
Researchers found adults with lower socioeconomic position were twice as likely to develop disabling pain compared to more advantaged peers.
📊 Key findings:
✔ 4.3% overall incidence of high-impact chronic pain in one year
✔ Risk jumps to 14.2% for those with low-impact chronic pain
✔ Lower SEP = higher vulnerability
Why it matters: Addressing these disparities is critical for improving pain outcomes and population health.
🔗 Read the full story: https://duke.is/w/e8gg