What can UK Biobank’s 500 000 participants teach us about chronic pain?
Kelleher EM., Irani A.
The UK Biobank is increasingly used for the study of chronic pain, yet many clinicians and researchers are unfamiliar with the strengths and limitations of this cohort. Here, we provide practical guidance for interpreting UK Biobank pain research, highlighting key examples of how the UK Biobank has advanced our understanding of pain. We describe the available pain assessments, compare the UK Biobank with other population cohorts, and discuss key methodological considerations, including selection bias, collider effects, and temporal misalignment between data modalities. When interpreted appropriately and triangulated with complementary study designs, the UK Biobank represents a valuable resource for advancing our understanding of the epidemiology, outcomes, and treatment of chronic pain.