New Pain Report Reveals An Alarmingly High 80% Of Brits Have Experienced Muscle Or Joint Pain At Some Point.

Experts Recommends A Range Of Tips To Ease Aches

The nation is suffering according to a shocking new Pain Census Report by Deep Relief – the topical muscle and joint pain specialists – which has revealed that right this second, over half of Brits (51%) are in pain.

Deep Relief’s – https://www.mentholatum.co.uk/  Pain Census Campaign, the results of which are shared within the report – The Shocking Rise Of Muscle, Joint And Back Pain –

New Pain Census Report Uncovers The UK’s Growing Muscle And Joint Pain Problem That’s Fast-Becoming A 24/7 Health Issue – also found that 68% of Brits experience back pain while over half (52%) of Brits have had pain in their legs and 35% had pain in their knees. What’s more, is that a high 80% of Brits have experienced muscle or joint pain at some point in their life.

Pharmacist and advisor to Deep Relief, Noel Wicks says: “It’s a shame that over half of the nation is feeling pain. What’s even more alarming is the  number of young people suffering. While 54% of the people currently in pain are 55-to-60-years-old, the new Deep Relief report states that this isn’t much higher than the number of young adults currently feeling achy. Nearly half (45%) of 18-to-24-year-olds are currently in pain and 49% of 25-to-34-year-olds are feeling sore.

“You’d think that young adults would be blessed with bags of energy and resilient muscles and joints, but this data says otherwise. No matter the age though, I want to make it clear that Brits do not need to live with pain and there are things that can be done to help ease aches, stiffness and general soreness.”

GP Dr Binita Kalaria, advisor to Deep Relief adds: “Nearly a third (32%) of Brits have said they’re unable to do certain activities thanks to their pain, 36% have faced disrupted exercise regimes, 20% say that their pain limits what can be done with the kids and 42% say their sleep is impacted by pain. These are just some of the issues that Brits in pain face, which is why it’s critical to take action.” 

In terms of sleep deprivation, this can alter the nerve signals in the brain and reduce the pain threshold. And, a lack of sleep has been shown to also hinder emotional and cognitive abilities, making it harder to cope with pain.

The causes of pain is vast.

In the Deep Relief Pain Census Report, a high 82% of Brits rightly believe sitting for prolonged periods can cause muscle or back pain and the same number (82%) believe that prolonged standing can cause muscle or joint pain. Plus, 41% of Brits say sitting down too much causes their back pain, and 57% say they get a sore neck from using a computer.

“The way we sit and stand can put pressure on joints, leading to aches and pain,” says Noel Wicks.

In fact, 86% of Brits believe they could have better posture.

As well as the above, 20% of Brits say their back pain is caused by being too active and 34% say that a sport/exercise injury has led to their muscle and/or joint pain.

Noel Wicks adds: “From skipping warm ups and cool downs to exercising incorrectly – such as doing strength-based exercises with incorrect form, exercise, while being an essential of a healthy lifestyle, needs to be done properly.”

Weight is also a big factor when it comes to pain.

Research has found that as Body Mass Index (BMI) increases, joint pain symptoms and severity increase and for every 5kg of weight gain, there is a 36% increased risk for developing osteoarthritis. Worryingly, in 2022 to 2023, 64.0% of adults aged 18 years and over in England were estimated to be overweight or living with obesity.

Although there are several reasons why Brits are experiencing pain, for 52% of adults, their muscle or joint pain is inexplicable. The same number have had back pain with no reason why. 

The rise of arthritis in young adults

The Deep Relief Pain Census Report data makes it clear that young people are not immune to pain. Arthritis, a condition typically more common in over 40s which causes pain and inflammation in a joint, is also alarmingly high in young people.

Although the majority of people (49%) suffering from arthritis are aged 55-to-60 years old, 21% of 18- to-24-year-olds have it, 20% of 25-to 24-year-olds suffer and 23% of 35-to-44-year-olds also say they have arthritis. 

Overall, nearly a quarter (23%) of Brits have arthritis. The Deep Relief Pain Census Report data has also found that 9% suffer from gout and 8% suffer from ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis which predominantly affects the back, causing pain and stiffness.

Dr Binita Kalaria says: “Muscle and joint pain are no longer just problems for middle aged or older adults. Research in the journal Pain has found that roughly one in every nine young adults worldwide experience chronic pain.”

Noel Wicks says this raises concern over young people’s future quality of life. “In younger people, the rise of screen- based activities, whether for education, work or recreation, could be very problematic. Long hours hunched over laptops, tablets and smartphones have created the perfect storm for poor posture, muscular imbalances and strain on the spine and neck.”

Dealing with muscle and joint is a must. Yet, a high 65% have ignored muscle or joint pain and 62% have ignored their back pain.

Noel Wicks points to a scientifically backed topical pain relief range, Deep Relief, which could help tackle joint and muscle pain. He explains: “Just 15% of people apply topical painkillers, but the Deep Relief range of products could ease muscle and joint pain so people can carry on living their lives more comfortably.”

Deep Relief: Topical pain relief for easing aches

The Deep Relief Duo Pain Relief Gel and Deep Relief Joint Pain Gel are the only anti-inflammatory gels in the UK which have the two pain killing ingredients – Ibuprofen and Levomenthol, with a triple-action formula.

Explaining further, Noel Wicks says: “Ibuprofen is an effective, evidence backed Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), which works on reducing pain and inflammation. Levomenthol meanwhile, works on the nerve endings in the skin, giving a soothing, cooling effect, while its counter-irritant activity stimulates the nerves that perceive cold and inhibits those that perceive pain.”

The two ingredients are combined in an aqueous gel, which adds to the soothing and cooling effect. The Deep Relief gel formulation penetrates through the skin rapidly, achieving high, therapeutically relevant local concentrations in underlying soft tissues, muscles and joints.

Deep Relief Duo Pain Relief Gel

Ideal for those who need powerful pain and inflammation relief for joint, muscles, the back, or rheumatism, this Deep Relief Duo Pain Relief Gel offers fast-cooling relief and its targeted, penetrating pain relief action starts working in 10 minutes.

Deep Relief Joint Pain Gel

For effective relief of pain associated with non-serious arthritic conditions, this Deep Relief Joint Pain Gel offers targeted pain relief which starts working in 10 minutes, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. It’s great for rheumatic pain, as well as other conditions such as muscular aches, pains, and swellings such as strains, sprains and sport injuries, plus back pain.

Deep Relief Actiflex Patch

Deep Relief have also created a non-medicated option, which contains hydrogel technology, providing targeted cooling and, soothing relief for up to 12 hours so you can get through the day or night.  The patch can be conveniently worn under clothing or while sleeping. It offers a flexible fit for joint areas such as shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, wrists and ankles.”

3 other ways to support muscle and joints

#1. Keep moving:  The Deep Relief Pain Census Report data has shown that most Brits are aware of the dangers that staying sedentary can be- whether that’s standing or sitting.  Noel Wicks says: “Muscle and joint stiffness is a common problem when you’re still for long periods of time. Make sure you move at least once every hour – set an alarm if you need to! Stretch, walk around…whatever you need to do to change position.” If you are dealing with pain, it’s also best to move. Research has found that staying physically active can actually reduce the severity of pain.

#2. Prioritise posture:  Many people face the wrath of bad posture. Sitting slumped over a keyboard all day for example can make muscles and joints sore and tight. So, whether you’re sitting or standing, keep your back upright, shoulders back and feet planted on the ground with weight distributed evenly.

#3. Know your pain: Despite some pain being short-lived, such as post-gym muscle soreness, Dr Binita Kalaria says that sharp or lasting pain is not normal and should be checked. “The rule of thumb is that, if it stops you from living your life as normal, don’t delay in booking an appointment with your GP.”

Noel Wick adds: “No-one is immune to pain. And that’s never been clearer than now, as the Deep Relief Pain Census Report shines a very bright light on the nation’s suffering. The best thing everyone can do, is to not only do the work to prevent muscle and joint pain, but to also have Deep Relief Duo Pain Relief Gel on hand, should pain strike. Let’s not allow pain to take over.”