A survey of 2,000 adults found eight in ten have suffered discomfort over an extended period of time, with a quarter claiming aches and pains have stopped them from doing what they enjoy
A staggering eight out of 10 Brits are suffering from chronic aches and pains, with a third admitting their lives are currently ‘on hold’ due to the discomfort. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that over half have been in pain for more than a year, with nearly a quarter saying their aches and pains have stopped them from enjoying life.
Moreover, a quarter have had to quit their jobs because of their health issues. This figure rises to 42% among 55 to 64 year olds, while 38% of those aged 35 to 44 have had to cut back on their hours or change roles due to poor health.
Among those affected, a quarter suffer from arthritis, with 43% admitting it has impacted their ability to work as usual. As a result, a quarter of those struggling with aches and pains have experienced financial stress as a result.
Seven out of ten people whose work lives have been disrupted by aches and pains believe they would be able to return to normal work once they receive the necessary treatment and care.
Linda Hand, a 58 year old self-employed property surveyor from Stamford, Lincolnshire, describes her job as physically demanding, requiring her to stay fit and agile to climb ladders and crawl through loft spaces. However, severe joint pain in her hips and knees forced her to stop working, leading to lost earnings and financial stress.
Linda expressed: “I was very depressed. By this point, I couldn’t work, drive, or walk due to excruciating hip pain. At 58, I was starting to think of myself as just getting old and resigning myself to a life of pain while waiting for surgery.”
Jim Easton, chief executive of Practice Plus Group hospitals, which commissioned the research, commented: “We often downplay ‘aches and pains’ but they amount to a significant impact on people’s quality of life.”
Linda was aware she would require surgery, but her GP informed her that the prospect of surgery at her local NHS hospital could be up to a four-year wait due to her relatively young age.
Feeling ‘hopeless’, she considered having the surgery at a local private hospital but couldn’t afford it. Eventually, she discovered Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, which has a hospital in Barlborough, Derbyshire, a two-hour drive away.
“Paying for surgery was a big consideration,” she admitted, “but I am so glad I went for it. I’m now recovering well and have felt like myself again for the first time in ages. I’m able to earn again, which I wouldn’t have been had I not paid to have surgery sooner.
“I’m enjoying playing Padel, doing Pilates, walking and swimming. I feel my new hip has given me my life back.”
Jim Easton, from Practice Plus Group hospitals, chimed in: “We see a lot of self-employed people like Linda choosing our Wellsoon private surgery as it’s very easy to compare the cost of the operation with a loss of earnings over time.
“Following the recent budget, I expect we’ll see more people take action to get their lives back on track as they’re trapped between not reaching their earning potential, and waiting for the NHS lists to come down.
“I would urge people to ask their GP to compare waiting times at different hospitals under the ‘patient choice’ initiative to get seen as soon as possible.
“If considering going private, compare prices within an hour or two of where you live and look for price certainty in what you’ll pay.”
