In addition to revealing trends in chronic pain, a new study also provides a glimpse of what might be causing the increase.

The information necessary for a detailed explanation isn’t part of the NHIS (National Health Interview Survey) data set, but the researchers did look at a host of variables to determine which ones were most closely associated with the pain trends.

In the oldest age group (65-84), physical health conditions such as body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes and kidney conditions correlate most with increases in pain. While BMI again surfaces as a correlate in young and middle-aged people, distress and alcohol use also have strong associations with chronic pain trends in these age groups.

“What we’re seeing in the younger age groups demonstrates how pain in some ways functions as much as a mental health problem as it does a physical health problem,” says a study author. “Pain can be exacerbated by stress, and stress can bring about alcohol use.
“Pain is a leading cause of disability and there is evidence that pain has an impact on life expectancy,” she says. “So the problem is one not only affecting quality of life, but potentially even quantity of life.”

A growing list of research studies and reviews demonstrate that the services provided by chiropractors for chronic pain are not only clinically effective and safe but also cost effective. The evidence supports the natural, whole-body, non-drug approach of chiropractic for a variety of conditions.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com.