According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 20% of American adults suffer from chronic pain. That’s over 50 million people! If you’re one of them, you know that chronic pain can significantly impact your life. It can make everyday activities difficult or impossible, leading to depression and anxiety. But what exactly is chronic pain, and how does it happen? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is any pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks. It can be constant or intermittent, and it can vary in intensity. For example, an injury or a health condition can cause chronic pain or occur for no apparent reason.

You can be diagnosed with chronic pain if you experience the following:

  • persistent pain in one or more areas of your body
  • increased sensitivity to pain
  • discomfort or aching for no reason

How Does Chronic Pain Happen?

There are two types of pain: nociceptive and neuropathic. Nociceptive pain is caused by tissue damage, like muscles, ligaments, or bones. This type of pain is usually sharp and localized. On the other hand, neuropathic pain is caused by damage to the nervous system. This type of pain is often described as burning, tingling, or numbness, and it can be widespread.

Most chronic pain is nociceptive, but some conditions-like diabetes and shingles-can cause neuropathic pain. Additionally, how our brains process information can play a role in chronic pain; if we’re constantly bombarded with painful stimuli, our brains may become “wired” for pain and perceive even non-painful stimuli as painful. This is called central sensitization, one of the reasons chronic pain can be so challenging to treat.

Causes and Risk Factors

Chronic pain can have many causes. Here are five of the most common reasons why.

Age

Nociceptive pain usually coincides with age. The body starts to wear down, and injuries and health conditions become more common. That’s why seniors are more likely to have chronic pain than any other age bracket. Moreover, they are less likely to recover, but it’s still manageable.

Diet

The food adults and seniors eat can significantly impact our overall health, including the risk of chronic pain. For example, a diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to inflammation, often linked to chronic pain. That’s why meal planning is essential as you age. Thankfully, some services do meal planning for senior citizens. This ensures they get the proper nutrition to prevent chronic pain and live healthier lives.

Injury or illness

A severe injury, like a broken bone or torn ligament, can result in chronic pain. This is especially true if the wound doesn’t heal correctly or if it affects the spine or joints. In addition, chronic illnesses like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis can also cause chronic pain.

Lack of exercise

Regular exercise helps keep your muscles strong and flexible and can prevent chronic pain. On the other hand, leading a sedentary lifestyle can increase your risk of developing chronic pain. It’s important to stay active as you age to maintain your mobility and reduce the likelihood of injuries that could lead to chronic pain.

Psychological factors

Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to chronic pain. This can be due to the chemical changes they cause in the body and how they affect our perception of pain. Therefore, addressing any mental health issues you may have to prevent or manage chronic pain is essential.

Managing Chronic Pain

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing chronic pain. Instead, here are three lifestyle changes you should make if you want to avoid them.

Proper Diet

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce inflammation, which is often linked to chronic pain.

Regular Exercise

Staying active helps keep your muscles strong and flexible, reducing the likelihood of injuries that could lead to chronic pain. However, talking with your doctor about what exercises are safe for you is vital before starting any new exercise routine.

Stress Management

Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to chronic pain. Finding healthy coping mechanisms like meditation or therapy can help manage these issues and prevent or reduce chronic pain.

While there is no cure for chronic pain, following the life changes above can prevent you from developing chronic pain.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from chronic pain, know that you’re not alone. Chronic pain can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments available that can help lessen your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you think you may be suffering from chronic pain, talk to your doctor; they can help you get the treatment you need to start feeling better.