Chronic Pain in New Zealand 

Chronic pain may affect people from all ages, occupations, ethnicities and socio-economic groups. According to the 2006/07 New Zealand Health Survey one in six adults reported that they experienced chronic pain; equivalent to 528,100 individuals. The most commonly reported sites of pain were joints (57.6%), neck or back (47.5%), abdomen/pelvic region (12.5%), head (12.0%), stomach (8.3%) and chest, including heart and lungs (6.1%). Chronic pain was reported across all age groups and prevalence increased with age. Nearly one in three adults aged 65 years or over reported experiencing chronic pain.

There are various groups that deal with the different types of Chronic Pain and their links can be found on the links page and the pain charities page. There are support groups, charities and associations that can help or provide information if you have any questions regarding specfic conditions.