According to the findings of a population-based longitudinal study published in the 25th November issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, severe, chronic pain in multiple areas predicts fall risk in older adults.

For older adults chronic pain is a major contributor to disability, with falls ranking amongst the 10-leading causes of death in the United States, including costing over $19-billion in annual health care costs.

The current study examined whether chronic musculoskeletal pain had an association to greater prevalence of falls in 749-community-dwelling adults aged 70-plus, and who had enrolled in the Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect, and Zest in the Elderly (MOBILIZE) Boston Study.

Participants were enrolled in the study from September 2005 through January 2008. During an 18-month period, falls subsequent to the enrollment duly recorded on monthly calendar postcards were mailed to the study centre, and pain evaluated via questionnaires.

At the beginning of the study, 40% of the men and women said they had chronic pain in more than one joint, while 24% reported chronic pain in one joint. Further, a total of 1029-falls were reported during the follow-up, with 405-participants (55%) falling at least once during the follow-up period. According to the study authors, ‘chronic pain measured according to number of locations, severity, or pain interference with daily activities was associated with greater risk of falls in older adults.’

Researchers found those who complained of pain in more than one joint had a 50% greater chance of falling than others who said they had no pain.

In conclusion, the study authors say, their findings provide ample evidence that complaining of aches and pains in old age, is far more hazardous than previously thought.