Two-thirds of people who suffer pain in the UK say it is a problem several times a week – or even every day – according to a new report. The research found 61% say pain disrupts their sleep, 47% say it affects their mood and 60% say it limits their ability to stay active.
Many accept pain as part of ageing
The report from The Turmeric Co. found 60% of people believe pain is “just something you have to put up with as you get older”. It also found 92% of people living with pain have told someone they were “fine” when they were actually suffering.
The report, published in time for Pain Awareness Month, encourages people to notice changes in mobility, sleep or day-to-day function and seek appropriate support where needed.
Delays in referral to pain clinics
The British Pain Society’s 2024 survey of people living with persistent pain found that 30% said more than five years had passed between the onset of pain and referral to a pain clinic.
Dietitian Corrine Toyn from The Turmeric Co. said: “Too many people live with pain in silence, often pushing through instead of seeking help. Pain shouldn’t be accepted as part of getting older. Small, steady steps — staying active, prioritising rest and looking at nutrition — can make a meaningful difference when taken early.”
Curcumin and pain relief
Independent scientific reviews suggest that curcumin, one of the active compounds in turmeric, may have anti-inflammatory properties and help to reduce pain and improve wellbeing.
