The causes of chronic pain, from shoulders and backs to knees and feet, have long been debated, with no clear answer coming out on top. And about one in three American adults with chronic pain report not having a clear diagnosis or reason behind it. The above CDC graph shows the percentage of adults who have experienced chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain, which significantly limits daily life, in the past three months. The researchers said additional studies are needed to understand the relationship between CGIC and chronic pain, particularly in humans rather than mice. Watkins said: 'Why, and how, pain fails to resolve, leaving you in chronic pain, is a major question that is still in search of answers.'

Source: Daily Mail January 28, 2026 21:44 UTC