Chronic Pain - What Increases Your Risk
Factors that may increase the risk of chronic pain include:
- Aging. Older adults are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, shingles, and other causes of nerve problems (neuropathy). But chronic pain is not a normal part of growing older.
- Smoking. Nicotine use can increase pain and decrease the effectiveness of medicines.
- Health problems. These include:
- Existing health conditions, such as fibromyalgia, shingles, arthritis, depression or anxiety disorders, or having a limb amputated (phantom limb pain).
- Past health problems, such as joint injuries. Also, previous surgery may cause new pain or may not work to relieve pain (such as back surgery that does not relieve pain).
- Overall general health condition. You may have a weakened immune system, which can lead to frequent infections or illness.
- Conditions that are difficult to treat, such as nerve pain from shingles (postherpetic neuralgia).
- Lifestyle, such as not eating healthy foods, not exercising regularly, smoking, or having a substance abuse or alcohol dependency problem.
Other factors that may increase your risk for chronic pain include stress, relationship problems, or a history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
January 20, 2011
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