Chronic Pain Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact in United States Adults With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Jenna L Adamowicz; Zoe Sirotiak; Dora Lendvai; Emily B K Thomas; Brian C Lund; Mary A Driscoll; Katherine Hadlandsmyth

doi:10.1016/j.pmn.2025.10.006

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Chronic Pain Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact in United States Adults With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Chronic Pain Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact in United States Adults With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Jenna L Adamowicz, Zoe Sirotiak, Dora Lendvai, Emily B K Thomas, Brian C Lund, Mary A Driscoll and Katherine Hadlandsmyth

Pain management nursing, Vol.27(1), pp.e49-e55

02/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2025.10.006

PMID: 41173685

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Abstract

To determine the prevalence of chronic pain, describe characteristics of chronic pain, and examine the impact of chronic pain on quality-of-life in United States adults with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey. Survey weights and variance estimation variables were employed. Pain duration over the past 3 months was used to determine whether individuals with CFS/ME were experiencing chronic pain. Rao-Scott chi-square test examined group-based differences between those with CFS/ME and chronic pain to those with chronic pain without CFS/ME across pain characteristics (intensity, location, limitations) and three quality-of-life domains (psychological health, general health, life satisfaction). The proportion of United States adults who reported having CFS/ME was 1.4% (weighted). Of those with CFS/ME, 70.7% (weighted) met study criteria for chronic pain. Pain was common across multiple body locations among those with comorbid CFS/ME and chronic pain, and impacted multiple domains of functioning, including life/work activities and family relationships. Relative to those with chronic pain without CFS/ME, individuals with CFS/ME and chronic pain were significantly more likely to have positive results on depression and anxiety screeners, and report fair/poor general health and life dissatisfaction (ps < .05). Chronic pain is common among individuals with CFS/ME and is associated with diminished quality-of-life. Although not all individuals with CFS/ME experience chronic pain, a prominent proportion do. For those with comorbid CFS/ME and chronic pain, interventions targeting the management of multiple symptoms may be particularly important.

Behavioral Medicine

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Pain

Health Psychology

Quality-of-life

Chronic overlapping pain conditions

Details

Title: Subtitle: Chronic Pain Prevalence, Characteristics, and Impact in United States Adults With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Creators: Jenna L Adamowicz - VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Zoe Sirotiak - Iowa State University
Dora Lendvai - VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Emily B K Thomas - University of Iowa
Brian C Lund - Iowa City VA Health Care System
Mary A Driscoll - VA Connecticut Healthcare System
Katherine Hadlandsmyth - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Pain management nursing, Vol.27(1), pp.e49-e55
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2025.10.006
PMID: 41173685
NLM abbreviation: Pain Manag Nurs
ISSN: 1524-9042
eISSN: 1532-8635
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 10/30/2025
Date published: 02/2026
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; Psychological and Brain Sciences; Nursing; Anesthesia; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Record Identifier: 9985024148202771

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