Brits say their lives are ‘on hold’ due to aches and pains

Eight in ten Brits have experienced chronic aches and pains, with a third admitting their lives are currently “on hold” as a result. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that over half have been in discomfort for over a year, and nearly a quarter say their pain limits their ability to enjoy life. In some cases, it’s forced a complete halt to work, with 25% having to stop entirely and many others reducing hours or switching roles—42% among those aged 55–64 and 38% of 35–44-year-olds.

Arthritis is a common culprit, affecting a quarter of those with pain. Among these individuals, 43% say it impacts their ability to work, and a similar proportion have faced financial strain due to their health issues. Despite these challenges, 71% believe they could return to work with proper treatment, such as joint replacements for arthritis.

Everyday life is also heavily impacted as nearly half of those with chronic pain struggle with basic tasks like shopping or housework, while 42% rely on others for support more than they’d prefer. Many report difficulties with sleeping comfortably, walking long distances, or even maintaining simple postures for prolonged periods. Parents and grandparents, in particular, express guilt over not being as active or involved with their children and grandchildren as they’d like.

Linda Hand, a self-employed property surveyor from Stamford, Lincolnshire, is one such case. At 58, her job required physical agility, climbing ladders and navigating tight spaces. However, debilitating joint pain in her hips and knees forced her to stop working, leading to lost earnings and financial strain.

Linda said: “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, said: “We often downplay ‘aches and pains’ but they amount to a significant impact on people’s quality of life.

“It’s so important we help people access the treatment and care they need whether that’s NHS and reducing waiting lists, or making private healthcare more affordable – because people’s lives are on hold.”

Linda knew she would need surgery, but her GP informed her that the wait time for the procedure at her local NHS hospital could be up to four years due to her relatively young age. Feeling hopeless, Linda explored the option of undergoing surgery at a local private hospital but found it beyond her financial means.

Eventually, she discovered Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, which operates a hospital in Barlborough, Derbyshire, about a two-hour drive away and said was able to afford the total hip replacement there.

“Paying for surgery was a big consideration ” she said, “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 [also] 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, explained a lot of those who areself-employed choose the Wellsoon private surgery as he says ‘it’s very easy to compare the cost of the operation with a loss of earnings over time’.

He added, “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- and 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.”