Chronic back pain and headaches in a nationwide study of the working population in Germany: Prevalence, symptom severity, associated burden, and related demographic and psychosocial factors

J Health Psychol. 2026 Apr 20:13591053261437575. doi: 10.1177/13591053261437575. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chronic pain imposes substantial individual, occupational, and societal burdens. This study explores the prevalence, severity, and associated burden of chronic back pain and headaches-defined as pain experienced repeatedly or persisting for at least 3 months within the past 12 months-in a nationwide sample of the working population in Germany (N = 4,751). It also examines how demographic and psychosocial factors are associated with chronic pain. Among participants, 34.4% experienced mild, 25.1% moderate, and 13% (very) severe chronic back pain symptoms; 35.6% experienced mild, 20.1% moderate, and 10.8% (very) severe chronic headaches. Gender, age, sleep problems, and burnout were identified as key correlates of chronic back pain and headaches. These findings indicate that chronic pain may be more prevalent and burdensome than previously believed, underscoring the need for comprehensive prevention and management strategies that integrate both biological and psychosocial perspectives. Further research should investigate the underlying mechanisms and inform targeted interventions.

PMID:42003305 | DOI:10.1177/13591053261437575