Prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain in the Austrian population

Introduction: The objective of this study was to document the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the Austrian population, to analyze the specific pain of affected individuals and to compare the characteristics of the group of persons with pain to those without pain. Methodology: Representative samples of the Austrian general population were selected by the "quota procedure". 500 persons, aged 15 years and older were questioned in face-to-face interviews. Results: 36.4% of all questioned individuals had experienced pain in the musculoskeletal system within the last three weeks, primarily in the region of the spine. Most of the very severe pain was located in the neck area (22%). The groups of persons with and without pain differed significantly in age, occupation, occupational group, region of residence within Austria, and family status. In a regressive analysis higher age remained the only significant variable. In seeking treatment, of significant importance were higher pain intensity and higher education level, and longer time since pain onset. Conclusion: The high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the Austrian population, particularly in the advanced age group not only requires targeted and high quality treatment of the affected persons, but also attention to appropriate preventive measures.