Understanding chronic pain: a mixed-methods study of lifestyle, function, and self-management in adults

Chronic pain affects nearly one-third of older Australians and is often under-recognised and undertreated, frequently dismissed as normal ageing. Lifestyle and social factors (e.g., inactivity, higher BMI, disadvantage) may intensify pain but are poorly characterised in community samples.

To estimate chronic pain prevalence, impact, and management in Australian adults and examine associations with personal, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors.

Thirty-nine adults (19-70 years) completed an online survey on pain features, management, and daily impact. Measures included pain severity, BMI, exercise frequency, and area-level socioeconomic indices (SEIFA). Open-ended survey responses and focus groups were analysed thematically.

Seventy-nine percent reported current pain, affecting activity (59%), mental health (51%), and sleep (41%). Lower BMI and more frequent exercise were associated with lower pain. Socioeconomic indices were not significantly related to pain intensity, although lower-SES participants more often sought formal treatment. Four themes emerged: normalisation of pain, emotional/social burden, self-management, and barriers to care.

Chronic pain was common and linked to modifiable lifestyle patterns, particularly exercise and BMI, but these factors do not fully explain pain experiences. Socioeconomic influences appeared subtle yet may shape care-seeking. Findings support integrated, lifestyle-oriented, multidisciplinary approaches and improved access to early community-based support.