The £15bn Hidden Cost Of Chronic Pain: Millions of Brits Paying Out of Pocket to Manage Persistent Pain

A study of 2,000 UK adults has found that chronic pain sufferers collectively spend an estimated £15 billion in out-of-pocket expenses each year.

The research, commissioned by Brian Barr Solicitors, found that the average monthly spend among respondents with chronic pain who provided a spending figure was £51.43.

Almost half (44%) of respondents reported chronic pain, which is medically defined as persistent pain lasting three months or longer.

Alarmingly, 40% of those that reported persistent pain do not have a formal diagnosis, leaving millions to manage their conditions and the associated bills on their own.

To manage their symptoms, 48% of people rely on over-the-counter medication, 39% use prescription treatments, 34% turn to physical therapies such as massage, and 33% use movement classes like yoga or pilates. Alternative therapies like acupuncture turned out to be the most expensive option, costing users an average of £106.37 each month.

The data also reveals a clear gender divide in both the physical and financial impact of pain. 48% of women reported persistent chronic pain, compared with 37% of men, an 11 percentage-point difference.

Women also reported spending an additional £202 each year managing their pain. Their average monthly spend was £59.30, compared with £42.47 among men.

This financial gap sits alongside a distinct difference in how healthcare is navigated. While diagnosis rates remain low for both genders, 12% of men were waiting for a formal diagnosis, compared with 7% of women.

Besides personal finances, chronic pain is causing major disruption across the UK workforce. A total of 16% of workers report that pain has reduced their day-to-day productivity, while the severity of their condition has forced 7% to cut their working hours or change roles, and 8% to leave employment entirely.

The survey also examined the social impact of long-term conditions. An overwhelming 88% of respondents said that pain restricts their daily lives, limiting their ability to enjoy hobbies or sports, do gardening, or play with children and grandchildren.

Because of this, the average sufferer is forced to cancel 11 social plans every year, and 5% have completely stopped making plans due to unpredictable flare-ups.

Victoria Abbott-Fleming MBE, Founder and Chair of Burning Nights CRPS Support, commented: “These findings will resonate with far too many people living with chronic pain. Every day we hear from people who are not only battling relentless pain, but also the hidden financial burden that comes with trying to manage it. Many people are forced to pay for therapies, equipment, travel to specialist appointments, or private treatment simply because the support and care they need simply isn’t available or accessible through existing services.

“For people living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and other chronic pain conditions, the impact extends far beyond finances. Pain can take away careers, relationships, independence and mental wellbeing, leaving many feeling isolated and forgotten. No one should have to choose between managing their pain and paying their bills.

“This research highlights the urgent need for earlier diagnosis, greater awareness, equitable access to evidence-based treatments and psychological support, as well as better recognition of the profound impact chronic pain has on every aspect of a person’s life. We need a healthcare system and wider society that recognises chronic pain as the serious, and for many, a life-changing condition it is, ensuring that no one is left to face it alone.”

Brian Barr Solicitors, the firm who commissioned this data, and who specialise in medically complex claims including Fibromyalgia, CRPS, and FND, is calling for urgent recognition of these hidden challenges.

Steven Akerman, Director at Brian Barr Solicitors, commented: “We are facing a national health and economic challenge that can not be ignored. Chronic pain is rarely a temporary setback; it is a life-changing condition that requires urgent validation.

“The fact that women are bearing the brunt of both the physical pain and the hidden financial costs highlights a system under immense strain. We need real structural support to alleviate this burden and ensure millions aren’t left to self-fund basic relief in silence.”

Full Details of the survey and its findings are available here – https://brianbarr.co.uk/hidden-cost-of-chronic-pain/

Image provided by Canva

Alicia Ward