10 Common Causes of Chronic Pain

Do you suffer from chronic pain? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world are living with chronic pain every day. At Clearway Pain Solutions, we specialize in helping patients find relief from chronic pain by using a combination of traditional and holistic alternative therapies. We understand it can be difficult to live with chronic pain, and our goal is to help you get your life back. We will discuss the 10 most common causes of chronic pain and how Clearway Pain Solutions can help you find a pain management location near you.

What Causes Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. There are many factors that can cause chronic pain, including age, injuries, and emotional stress. Here are the 10 most common causes of chronic pain:

1. Age

Chronic pain is highest among adults aged 65 and older, affecting approximately 30% of individuals of that age in the United States. As you age, your body changes, and you may be more likely to develop conditions that can cause chronic pain due to the wear and tear on your body over the years. This can eventually lead to arthritis, joint pain, and other conditions.

2. Disease

Many diseases can cause chronic pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. These conditions can cause inflammation of joints leading to pain and stiffness, muscle pain, and nerve pain that persists for months or even years. In fact, research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that arthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic pain in the US, affecting 1 in 4 US adults or 58.5 million people.

3. Gender

Chronic pain is more common in women (21.7%) compared with men (19%). It is more common in women due to hormones and reproductive organs. For example, endometriosis is a condition that can cause chronic pain in women. It occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, resulting in inflammation and pain. In addition, pregnancy and childbirth can also lead to chronic pain. As for men, chronic pain is most caused by injuries, such as back pain from lifting heavy objects. Chronic pain in men can also be caused by other common conditions in men such as testicular pain from a condition called varicocele.

4. Genetics

Some people are more likely to develop chronic pain due to genetics. Genetic factors include conditions passed down from your parents, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. In addition, some people have a genetic predisposition to pain, which means that they are more sensitive to pain than others. Changes in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can also cause chronic pain, worsening headaches, migraines, muscle pain, and joint pain.

5. Emotional stress

Many people are familiar with the term “stress headaches.” But did you know that emotional stress can also cause other types of chronic pain? There is a link between chronic pain and stress levels, and people who suffer from chronic pain are more likely to experience high levels of stress. Emotional stress can make it difficult to cope with pain. It is common for people with chronic pain to also suffer from anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate muscle tension, headaches, and migraines.

6. Injuries

Chronic pain can be caused by injuries: both acute and chronic. Acute injuries are usually the result of an accident or trauma, while chronic injuries typically are the result of repetitive motion or overuse. Both injuries can lead to chronic pain because they damage the tissues and nerves in your body. Chronic pain from injuries is most common among adults ages 18-64 and affects up to 40% of U.S. adults.

7. Obesity

Overweight and obese individuals are more likely to experience chronic pain than those at a healthy weight. Obesity leads to a variety of conditions that cause pain, such as arthritis, back pain, and nerve pain. Obese individuals are more likely to suffer from injuries due to the extra strain on their bodies.

8. Poor posture

Poor posture is another common cause of chronic pain. This is because poor posture puts strain on your muscles and joints and can cause nerve damage, which can later lead to chronic pain and stiffness.

9. Repetitive motions

Repeating the same motions can lead to chronic pain. This is common in jobs that require repetitive tasks, such as factory work, assembly line work, and office work. Chronic pain can also be caused by hobbies involving repetitive motions, such as golf, knitting, and playing the piano.

10. Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is a major risk factor for chronic pain. In the United States, more than half of the population is considered sedentary. This means half of the US population does not get enough physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to conditions that cause pain, such as obesity, arthritis, back pain, and nerve pain.

Clearway Pain Specializes in Treat Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a common problem that can have a major impact on your life. If you suffer from chronic pain, it is important to talk to your doctor about treatment options. There are many different types of treatments available, and the best treatment for you will depend on the cause of your pain.

At Clearway Pain Solutions, we specialize in helping patients find relief from chronic pain. We offer a variety of treatments, including interventional pain management, medication management, regenerative medicine, chiropractic, massage, and physical therapy. We also offer psychological support to help patients cope with the emotional stress of chronic pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!