Chronic pain at ages 12 to 44.

According to results from the 2007/2008 Canadian Community Health Survey, about 1 in 10 Canadians aged 12 to 44-9% of males and 12% of females, an estimated 1.5 million people--experienced chronic pain. The prevalence of chronic pain increased with age and was significantly higher among people in households where the level of educational attainment was low and among the Aboriginal population. The most common pain-related chronic conditions at ages 12 to 44 were back problems and migraine headaches. Chronic pain prevented at least a few activities in the majority of sufferers. It was associated with activity limitations and needing help with everyday tasks, and had work-related implications. Individuals with chronic pain were frequent users of health care services, and were less likely than people without chronic pain to respond positively on measures of well-being, including mood and anxiety disorders.