10 Dangers of Chronic Pain

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS

Written By Cindy Kuzma on February 5, 2020

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  The Price of Chronic Pain

  Chronic pain takes an enormous toll on the nation, affecting 100 million Americans and costing up to $635 billion annually to treat. Apart from dollars, it can extract a heavy price from the lives of each person suffering from it. Read on for some of the risks and complications of chronic pain—along with ways to avoid falling into common traps.
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  1. Resigning Yourself to Pain

  In a recent survey by the American Osteopathic Association, almost half of Americans viewed pain as a standard part of life. About 4 in 10 said pain comes naturally during the aging process. Seeing pain as inevitable may cause you to delay or avoid seeking treatment when, in fact, many available treatment techniques may offer you relief. Work with your doctor to find a plan that works for you.
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  2. Dependence on Pain Medications

  Painkillers act as extremely valuable tools in the battle against chronic pain. But some types—including narcotics—pose a risk for physical and psychological dependence. Physical dependence means your body needs medicine to work properly. Psychological addiction, on the other hand, happens when you crave a drug whether or not you need it to relieve pain. In either case, your doctor can help you cut back.
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  3. Medication Side Effects

  Even mild, over-the-counter pain relievers come with some risks. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs) can irritate your stomach. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can damage your liver, especially when combined with alcohol. Narcotics may cause constipation. Make sure you understand the downsides of each drug, warning signs to watch for, and steps you can take to prevent them. For instance, eating lots of fruits and vegetables can relieve constipation in people taking narcotics.
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  4. Depression

  Chronic pain and depression share a complex relationship. Though sometimes depression comes first, pain can trigger an episode of feeling low. And pain often makes depression more severe, even increasing the risk of suicide. Recovering from both conditions takes time, but some of the same treatments—including psychotherapy and physical activity—are effective for both conditions.
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  5. Trouble Functioning

  Depending on the type of pain you feel, it may interfere with your ability to work or perform other daily tasks. Things you once took for granted—such as cooking, walking down the street, or getting dressed—may feel increasingly difficult. Those familiar motions themselves may worsen your pain. Or, coping with chronic aches can become so exhausting you don’t have the energy left to focus on anything else.
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  6. Financial Concerns

  When pain prevents you from maintaining a normal work schedule, your income may suffer. Combined with the cost of treatment, this can create financial strain. If you’re struggling with money, talk with your healthcare team. Your doctor may be able to prescribe lower-cost treatments, connect you with financial support programs, or refer you to a social worker. You may have access to more resources than you think, including free consumer credit counseling.
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  7. Withdrawing from Friends and Family

  Everyone experiences pain differently. No one else experiences your pain. It’s easy to turn others away, thinking they can’t truly understand what you’re going through. However, social isolation can lead to other complications, such as depression. Keep open lines of communication with friends, family, people in your spiritual community, and healthcare providers. Connecting with others who have chronic pain—either online or in person—can offer a much-needed source of support and insight. 
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  8. Interrupted Sleep

  Often, aches can keep you up at night, leaving you groggy and dragging the next day. Poor rest harms both your body’s healing ability and your mood, increasing pain’s effects. To break out of this negative cycle, try to stick to a sleep schedule, going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Also, avoid taking naps after 3 p.m. If you’re the type to get sleepy in the afternoon and early evening, plan your necessary activities, such as laundry and grocery shopping, at this time of day to keep you awake.
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  9. Weight Gain

  Pain often interferes with eating and exercising habits. Over time, an imbalance between the calories you take in and expend can lead to extra pounds. In turn, excess weight can slow healing and make some types of pain worse. Talk with your doctor about maintaining a healthy lifestyle within the confines of your pain. Say to your doctor, “I’m having trouble exercising. Can you help me find a routine that doesn’t aggravate my condition?” Just opening up the discussion will help lighten your anxiety about exercising.
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  10. Giving Up Hope

  Facing pain every day is overwhelming. You may even feel powerless. But shifting your thinking can set you on a path toward lessening your pain and helping you live a fulfilling, productive life in spite of it. Take comfort in the fact that ongoing research may soon result in new treatments. Specialists in pain or palliative care have access to the latest therapies. You may want to ask your regular doctor for a referral.

10 Dangers of Chronic Pain

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