There is limited research on pain and pain-related conditions and frequent misinformation. Pain is complex and involves several factors, including physical, psychological, and social influences. Because pain is invisible and subjective, it is hard to understand, measure, and quantify, leading to these myths and misunderstandings.
To promote a better understanding of pain and pain conditions, and to address the healthcare pain crisis, let's start by knowing the facts.
Here we demystify pain, show research and data on the topic, and provide useful information to improve your health if pain is a part of your life.
11 Myths and Facts About Pain
Pain requires rest: FALSE
Some temporary rest may help acute pain, injuries, or extreme pain when prescribed. Activity, however, relieves the pain of multiple pain conditions, especially chronic pain. If you have a pain condition, try to be active, starting with less intense activity and working your way up.
Excessive weight worsens pain: TRUE
Higher body weight leads to increased pressure on your back, hips, knees, and other joints. Losing just 10 pounds can reduce body pain significantly. Healthy eating and an exercise plan will help relieve your pain and also improve other health conditions.
Pushing through pain during exercise leads to improvement: FALSE
We've all heard the phrases "No pain, no gain" and "Just do it." Actually, exercise should not cause pain. The best approach to activity is to start slow and work your way up to more intensive exercises. Know your limits. When you have pain, problems can occur. Pain is a warning sign and an indicator that it is time to break or stop. Pain can also cause you to have less motivation to continue or commit to future exercise.
Weather can worsen pain: TRUE
Joint pain potentially worsens when it is raining, when it is cold, or when air pressure changes. With joint pain, hot compresses or heating pads may help. Just make sure to place the heated item on top of the area and don't rest on top of it. Also, use heat for 15-minute intervals: applying for 15 minutes, breaking for 15 minutes, and repeating the cycle if needed. You might also try over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to help joint pain, as long as you checked with your providers first.
Bothersome or constant pain is normal as you get older: FALSE
We may feel achy or less mobile when we get older. If pain bothers you constantly or interferes with your normal activities as you get older, it is time to see a doctor. Pain can indicate underlying health issues. Pain can also worsen emotional health, leading to conditions such as depression, isolation, and irritability. Seeking medical assistance leads to an improved health prognosis and a longer, happier life.
Distraction helps pain: TRUE
Focusing on something other than your pain reduces how much attention you have on the pain itself. Your brain can only focus on one stimulus at a time. For this reason, focusing on other sensations, placing your attention on what you are doing, or distracting yourself by having a conversation, doing a hobby, being in nature, and other similar activities will help you focus less on your pain. Also, encourage others to not ask about your pain and how you are feeling. The less you talk about it, the less you notice it.
Pain can be hereditary: TRUE
Often, chronic pain is caused by a health condition. As we know, most health conditions are genetic and run in families. For this reason, always mention the health conditions that run in your family to your doctors. This can help with prevention and also help physicians understand the causes of your pain so they can determine the best treatment options. Interestingly, scientific research suggests that redheads are more sensitive to pain due to a genetic mutation that is also tied to the genetics of the red hair color as well.
Minor pain is not a health concern: FALSE
As we age, minor pain is more common but should not be constant. Intense exercise should not cause pain; if it does, it should be temporary. If your pain is minor but constant, it is important to get a medical evaluation to ensure that there are no underlying health problems that should be addressed.
Chronic pain is not a disability: FALSE
Sometimes pain interferes with an individual's ability to do daily activities, including self-care activities, recreational activities, work, school, or activities at home. In the United States, chronic pain affects more people than any other disease, including cancer, heart disease, or diabetes. Pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Emotions and perspective affect pain: TRUE
Focusing on pain too much can worsen the pain you feel. If pain causes you depression or worry, seek medical or psychological help. A solution-based perspective helps you attain a more positive attitude and also leads to proactive and measurable steps toward the reduction of pain and improved health.
Prescribed pain medications lead to addiction and should be avoided: FALSE
If taken as prescribed, pain medications do not lead to addiction. Though pain medications may be a last resort, some people need pain medications to sustain or improve their quality of life. When pain is extreme or constant, pain relief can help a person complete everyday activities, engage in prescribed exercises or physical therapy, and continue other critical lifestyle activities such as socializing, working, and/or doing recreational activities.
Research & Data on Pain
Now, let's look at research and the numbers. This data shows the number of individuals affected by pain in the U.S. and worldwide, the impact it has on people's lives, and how much more needs to be done by the healthcare system to address this healthcare condition.
General Chronic Pain Facts
Greater than 20% of the adult U.S. population lives with chronic pain.
Pain is the leading reason individuals in the United States seek medical attention or access the healthcare system.
Chronic pain affects more people than any other disease, including cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.
Chronic pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States and worldwide.
Facts About High-Impact Chronic Pain
High-impact chronic pain (HICP) is a type of chronic pain that significantly limits a person's life and daily activities.
Over 17 million adults live with high-impact pain that significantly impacts their work or life activities.
Over 14 million individuals with high-impact chronic pain cannot work.
Facts About Health Inequities of Pain
Impoverished populations and minorities are significantly more likely to experience chronic pain.
Research shows that marginalized populations and minorities receive suboptimal pain treatment.
Pain Healthcare Facts
Only 4% of the National Institutes of Health funding is dedicated to research on pain medicine.
Medical treatment leads to only 30% reduction in pain for those living with chronic pain conditions.
Studies show that a high majority of medical schools do not require coursework on pain health or medicine.
Addressing The Healthcare Crisis of Pain-Related Conditions
It is critical that our healthcare system invest more funds, improve research, and establish equitable resources for pain conditions across populations. Only when we understand the facts will we be able to address the growing crisis of pain-related conditions in the United States and worldwide. To learn more about how to address your pain, Reach Out to Us at Spine Muscles Nerves. And, share this post with others to improve the understanding of pain and pain-related conditions so that we can improve the lives of everyone affected.
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