Almost half of people with chronic back and leg pain experienced delays in care during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite 87 per cent reporting their pain has not improved or worsened during the period.
The survey from health tech company Medtronic finds far-reaching impacts of this debilitating condition on patient lifestyle, everyday activities and mental state, further exacerbated by the pandemic’s impact on stressed health systems and the ability of patients to seek timely care.
Of those who reported worsening chronic pain during the pandemic, more than half (52 per cent) cite challenges in receiving appropriate medical care as a contributing factor.
Additionally, 44 per cent say since the pandemic began, they have experienced care delays, including postponed, rescheduled, or canceled appointments or procedures for their pain.
Of those who proactively postponed their medical care, more than half (55 per cent) cited COVID-19 fears as a contributing factor.
Most people currently living with chronic back or leg pain report numerous detrimental physical and mental impacts.
When listing physical challenges associated to living with chronic pain, sleep, exercise habits, sense of mobility/function, and ability to enjoy hobbies are aspects of life most negatively impacted.
Those with chronic back or leg pain aged under 55 are more likely than those 55+ to report that their ability to work has been impacted (36 per cent vs 22 per cent), while those over age 55 are more likely than those age 35-54 to say their sense of mobility/function has been impacted (58 per cent vs. 46 per cent).
In addition, most (66 per cent) report that their mental health has been negatively impacted and list feelings of frustration, annoyance, exhaustion, and depression.
As a result, the overwhelming majority (90 per cent) say they wish there were more treatment options available to manage their pain.
While most are aware of traditional treatment options like physical therapy and oral medications, far fewer are familiar with options such as 
targeted drug delivery (38 per cent) or spinal cord stimulation (34 per cent).
“This data bears out what we’ve heard from our clinician customers and patients for two years – the pandemic has been especially hard on those with chronic pain,” said Charlie Covert, vice president and general manager, Pain Therapies within the Neuromodulation business, part of the Neuroscience portfolio at Medtronic.
“There is a tangible human cost to deferred procedures and delayed care. As COVID-19 hopefully begins its transition to a more endemic disease, we expect many of these patients to urgently seek relief through new or more effective treatment modalities.
“Our survey demonstrated that an overwhelming majority want more treatment options, yet awareness of spinal cord stimulation and targeted drug delivery options remains relatively low.
“That represents an opportunity to educate patients about the full range of options available to help alleviate their pain.”
