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15/10/2025

Chronic musculoskeletal pain, a ‘silent epidemic’ affecting one in four people

Specialists warn of the “severe” physical, emotional, and economic impact of chronic pain, call for a more comprehensive and visible approach

Persistent lower back pain, knee stiffness, chronic neck discomfort… For millions of people in Spain, these sensations are part of daily life. According to the Chronic Pain Barometer in Spain 2022, one in four people suffers from chronic pain, with most cases related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the back, neck, and joints. The average duration of this pain exceeds six years, and half of those affected report that it severely limits their daily routines.

“Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a clinical challenge that goes beyond simply alleviating symptoms. Its management requires a comprehensive approach combining medical treatment, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support, aiming to preserve mobility, reduce daily limitations, and improve each patient’s quality of life,” explains Dr. Alberto Sánchez, pain treatment specialist and head of the Pain Unit at Hospital MiKS.

“Chronic pain can create a vicious cycle of inactivity, tension, and emotional distress, which worsens pain perception,” explains Idoia López de Guereñu, clinical psychologist. “Through psychology, we help patients break this cycle, providing tools to cope with pain, manage stress, and regain confidence in daily life,” she adds.

The economic cost is also significant: including long-term sick leave, ongoing treatments, and lost productivity, the impact can exceed 47,000 euros per year per patient with severe pain, according to estimates from the Grünenthal Foundation.

To highlight these issues and explore the social and medical challenges of this condition, the ‘Ibilian Ongizatea – Wellbeing in Motion’ series, promoted by Hospital MiKS, organized the ‘Challenges and Advances in Pain Management’ event. Supported by Fundación Vital Fundazioa, the public meeting took place on Friday, October 17, at 11:00 a.m. at Vital Fundazioa Kulturunea (Dendaraba), bringing together specialists from different fields to share scientific advances and provide practical tools for the community.

A paradigm shift in treatment

In recent years, clinical recommendations have evolved. Medical societies such as semFYC (Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine) emphasize reducing reliance on aggressive medications, anti-inflammatories, or even opioids, and advocate for combined strategies like supervised physical exercise, rehabilitation, psychological support, and, when indicated, minimally invasive or regenerative therapies.

“Research in biological therapies and regenerative medicine opens a promising horizon for certain types of musculoskeletal pain. These are not magical solutions, but they can help improve symptoms or even modify disease progression, delaying and reducing the need for more aggressive interventions,” explains Dr. Diego Delgado, head of research at Hospital MiKS and one of the speakers at the October 17 event.

Despite its high prevalence and impact, chronic musculoskeletal pain remains a significant healthcare challenge. Professionals emphasize the importance of strengthening resources, information, and collaboration among primary care, pain units, physiotherapy, and psychological support.

Key points

• One in five patients with chronic pain suffers from associated anxiety or depression.

• Research in biological therapies and regenerative medicine has opened a promising horizon for certain types of musculoskeletal pain.