Burden of neck pain in general population of China, 1990–2019: An analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Abstract

Background Neck pain has become very common in China and has greatly affected individuals, families, and society in general. In this study, we aimed to report on the rates and trends of the prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLDs) caused by neck pain in the general population of China from 1990 to 2019. Methods We used data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) study to estimate the number and age standardised rates per 100 000 population of neck pain point prevalence, annual incidence, and YLDs in 33 provinces/municipalities/autonomous regions of China, stratified by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) from 1990 to 2019. We then compared these estimates with other G20 countries. Results There were 6.80 × 10 7 patients with neck pain in 2019, presenting an increase from 3.79 × 10 7 in 1990. Likewise, the national age-standardised point prevalence increased slightly from 3.53% in 1990 to 3.57% in 2019. The YLDs increased by 78.08%, from 3814 × 10 3 in 1990 to 6792 × 10 3 in 2019. The age-standardised YLDs rate increased 1.50% from 352.84 in 1990 to 358.10 in 2019. The point prevalence of neck pain in 2019 was higher in females compared with males. These estimates were all above the global average level and increased more rapidly among G20 countries from 1990 to 2019. We generally observed a positive association between age-standardised YLD rates for neck pain and SDI, suggesting the burden is higher at higher sociodemographic indices. Conclusions Neck pain is a serious public health problem in the general population in China, especially in its central and western regions, with an overall increasing trend in the last three decades. This is possibly related to changes of people's lifestyles and work patterns due to improvements in societal well-being and technology. Raising awareness of risk factors for neck pain in the general population and establishing effective preventive and treatment strategies could help reduce the future burden of neck disorders.

Temporal Trends in Neck Pain Prevalence among Adolescents and Young Adults Aged 10-24 from 1990 to 2019

“…Previous research reports indicate a significant increase in the number of neck pain patients and the years of life lost due to neck pain in China over the past three decades [7,22]. Despite a slight increase in the national prevalence of neck pain, the burden of neck pain remains substantial [7]. The study also found that the prevalence of neck pain is higher in females compared to males, and the burden of neck pain in China exceeds the global average [7].…”

“…The study also found that the prevalence of neck pain is higher in females compared to males, and the burden of neck pain in China exceeds the global average [7]. Furthermore, the study highlights a positive correlation between the burden of neck pain and the socio-economic index, indicating a heavier burden of neck pain in economically developed regions [7]. In our study, China emerged as one of the countries with the highest number of young people with neck pain, underscoring the serious public health issue of neck pain in China and emphasizing the importance of implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies to alleviate the burden of neck diseases in the future.…”

“…Despite a slight increase in the national prevalence of neck pain, the burden of neck pain remains substantial [7]. The study also found that the prevalence of neck pain is higher in females compared to males, and the burden of neck pain in China exceeds the global average [7]. Furthermore, the study highlights a positive correlation between the burden of neck pain and the socio-economic index, indicating a heavier burden of neck pain in economically developed regions [7].…”

“…Previous research reports indicate a significant increase in the number of neck pain patients and the years of life lost due to neck pain in China over the past three decades [7,22]. Despite a slight increase in the national prevalence of neck pain, the burden of neck pain remains substantial [7].…”

“…Recent research on neck pain has seen significant advancements across various domains, contributing to a better understanding of its etiology, prevalence, mechanisms, and management strategies [3,5,6]. Epidemiological studies have played a crucial role in mapping the prevalence and impact of neck pain across different populations and age groups, highlighting its pervasive nature and substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems [6][7][8]. Moreover, research has identified a multitude of risk factors associated with neck pain, including biomechanical, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors [9,10].…”