By R Suryamurthy
New Delhi, July 31: India is grappling with a significant and often overlooked public health crisis: nearly one in two Indians over the age of 45 suffers from chronic joint pain. Despite this widespread suffering, the vast majority do not seek timely medical care, leading experts to sound the alarm about a growing “silent epidemic” that demands urgent attention and structured intervention.
A landmark study published in BMC Geriatrics reveals the alarming prevalence, with 47% of Indians aged 45 and above reporting joint pain, and over 31% experiencing persistent back pain. Even with these high figures, most individuals delay or avoid professional medical attention, often relying on over-the-counter painkillers, home remedies, or simply enduring their discomfort. Medical professionals warn that this neglect can result in irreversible damage, increased disability, and serious health complications.
The extensive study, which analysed responses from over 58,000 individuals across 36 states and union territories, highlights a critical gap between the widespread nature of chronic pain and the existing systems in place for its treatment. The research also underscores strong links between chronic pain and other serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems, psychological distress, and functional decline. This connection has led to calls for chronic pain to be reclassified and treated as a standalone non-communicable disease, rather than merely a symptom.
“By the time most patients walk into Nivaan Care, they’ve been in pain for months—sometimes years,” stated Dr Rohit Gulati, Pain Specialist and Associate Clinical Director at Nivaan Care. “Many have cycled through painkillers, orthopaedic referrals, and even emotional burnout. What they truly need—and what we provide—is a comprehensive pain management approach. At Nivaan, we combine clinical diagnosis with movement therapy, regenerative medicine, and psychological support. Our mission is not just to relieve pain, but to restore daily function and prevent recurrence.”
The ripple effect of untreated pain on broader health was echoed by Dr Sameer Gupta, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Vascular Intervention Specialist, Group Head – Cardiac Cath Lab, and Director – Metro Group of Hospitals.
“Pain is often treated like an inconvenience when in reality, it’s a gateway to disease,” Dr Gupta explained. “We regularly see patients whose mobility declines due to untreated back or knee pain, and what follows is a spike in cardiovascular risk—elevated blood pressure, stress-related arrhythmias, even cardiac events. Pain indirectly accelerates heart disease by robbing people of physical activity, emotional stability, and sleep. Early pain management is not just musculoskeletal care—it’s preventive cardiology.”
Dr Jyotsna Agarwal, Head of Clinical Development at Nivaan Care, further emphasised the necessity of a dedicated focus:
“Chronic pain deserves the same strategic focus as diabetes or heart disease. That’s why we built an integrated care model—bringing together pain specialists, physiotherapists, rehabilitation professionals, and behavioural experts under one roof. Because pain isn’t just physical—it affects sleep, mood, relationships, and one’s ability to live independently. Early, consistent care makes all the difference.”
Key Study Highlights:
- 47% of adults aged 45+ report joint pain
- 31.7% report chronic back pain; 20% report ankle/foot pain
- Women and older adults face significantly higher risk
- Pain is strongly linked to inactivity, obesity, depression, and cardiac risk
- Highest prevalence reported in Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Madhya Pradesh
Experts are urging India to integrate pain management into its national health strategy, broaden access to multidisciplinary care, and invest in awareness campaigns that encourage early intervention. While specialised centres like Nivaan Care are leading the way with structured, science-backed recovery models, nationwide adoption will be vital to lessen India’s substantial chronic pain burden. The message is clear: addressing chronic pain is not merely about comfort—it is about preventing a cascade of health issues and improving the overall quality of life for millions of Indians. (5WH)
