Just wimps?

Norway nearly leads the world when it comes to problems from chronic pain. Chronic muscle and skeletal pain is the most common reason for disability payments and long-term sick leave. Now, researchers from NTNU and St. Olavs Hospital will find out whether Norwegians are actually afflicted by a new lifestyle-related illness or whether citizens are simply more susceptible to pain than before.

As part of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), 6000 people will be studied and interviewed over the next five years in what will be the world’s largest survey of pain. With a steady stream of information from each individual on their physical condition, exercise, social situations, illnesses, medicines and pain, researchers believe they will be able to find answers to the many unsolved puzzles surrounding pain.