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The burden of neck pain across US states, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis of Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 data

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: Neck pain is a leading musculoskeletal cause of disability in the United States. This study aimed to assess temporal, geographic, and demographic disparities in its burden across US states from 1990 to 2021. Methods: Global Burden of Disease 2021 data for all 50 US states and the District of Columbia were analyzed for 1990-2021. Counts and age-standardized rates per 100,000 population for prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLD) were compared by region, state, sex, age group, and sociodemographic index (SDI) level. Results: In 2021, neck pain accounted for 9,430,000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 7,400,000-11,590,000) prevalent cases, 1,900,000 (95% UI, 1,490,000-2,320,000) incident cases, and 920,000 (95% UI, 620,000-1,300,000) YLD, increases of 41.17%, 37.44%, and 38.72%, respectively, from 1990. Although age-standardized incidence increased globally by 1.18% (0.07%-2.39%) over 1990-2021, the United States had small declines in age-standardized incidence (-0.11%; 95% UI, -0.18% to -0.06%), prevalence (-0.20%; 95% UI, -0.32% to -0.10%), and YLD (-1.12%; 95% UI, -2.02% to -0.22%). Neck pain rates were highest in the District of Columbia, Georgia, and Delaware and lowest in North Carolina, Alaska, and Wyoming. The burden peaked at ages 40-49 years and was higher in females. Age-standardized YLD rates for neck pain were significantly positively correlated with the SDI (Spearman's ρ=0.601, P<0.001). Conclusion: The geographic and demographic disparities in neck pain burden across US states indicate a need for targeted interventions.

Source: Ewha Medical Journal

DOI: 10.12771/emj.2026.01270