By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

A new survey is providing some insight into how patients suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia and other types of joint and muscle pain fared during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic.

In late April, researchers at the University of East Anglia (UEA) surveyed 678 patients in the UK with musculoskeletal pain, asking how the pandemic impacted their well-being and access to healthcare. The online survey was conducted five weeks after the start of a nationwide lockdown in which at-risk patients were told to “shield” at home, avoid all social contact, and postpone or cancel non-urgent healthcare appointments.  

"When lockdown happened, we were worried that this may become a much greater problem - particularly for those with bone, joint and muscle pain,” said co-author Toby Smith, PhD, a professor at UEA's School of Health Sciences. “We wanted to know how the new restrictions might affect pain, and better understand who is most at risk of experiencing flare-ups, or reduced well-being due to social isolation and loneliness.

"Our results show that the coronavirus pandemic is a major challenge to people's health and well-being, both to young and older people.”

Over half the patients (53%) reported that their musculoskeletal symptoms had worsened since the start of lockdown. About a third said they had seen a general practitioner or hospital rheumatologist because their pain, stiffness and overall health had significantly worsened. Those who reported greater social isolation and loneliness were less likely to access healthcare.

The vast majority of respondents, over 88 percent, reported little difficulty getting medication during the lockdown, but nearly half (44%) needed the assistance of others to do it.

"Should further isolation measures need to be enforced as we have seen in some part of the UK as the pandemic continues, particular efforts should be made to protect and support the socially isolated as a vulnerable group,” said co-author Alex MacGregor, PhD, a professor at UEA's Norwich Medical School. "Healthcare providers should reach out to individual patients who do not come forward for advice, and who might be silently struggling with their disease.”

Due to a recent surge in coronavirus infections, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently tightened nationwide restrictions, ordering bars and restaurants to close by 10pm. More people are also being required to wear masks. Asked about reports the government was planning a “total social lockdown” in northern England and London, Johnson’s health minister told the BBC she wouldn’t rule it out.

The UK survey findings, published in the journal Rheumatology: Advances in Practice, are similar to those found in a PNN survey of over 2,200 patients in April. About 70% said they were worried about going to a hospital or doctor’s office and had postponed or cancelled a medical appointment. A little over half said social isolation made them feel lonely.