Widespread Pain Linked To Heightened Dementia And Stroke Risk

Widespread pain is linked to a heightened risk of all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and stroke, finds research published online in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. This association is independent of potentially influential factors, such as age, general health, and lifestyle, the findings indicate.

While chronic pain may be an early indicator of cognitive decline, it’s not clear if widespread pain might also be linked to a heightened risk of dementia and stroke. According to the research, people with widespread pain were 43% more likely to have any type of dementia, 47% more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, and 29% more likely to have a stroke than those without widespread pain.

When only the over 65's were included, these risks were comparable: 39% heightened risk of all types of dementia; 48% heightened risk of Alzheimer’s disease; and 54% heightened risk of stroke. These findings provide convincing evidence that widespread pain may be a risk factor for all-cause dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

Chiropractors are experts at alleviating chronic pain with hands-on, opioid-free treatments. According to the Harvard Medical School Health newsletter (February 15, 2021): “The most positive research on chiropractic therapy has focused on spinal manipulation for low back pain. As one of the alternatives to pain-relieving drugs, the American College of Physicians low back pain guideline recommends spinal manipulation along with heat, massage, and acupuncture. Chiropractic treatment may also help people with other musculoskeletal-related pains. In addition to spinal manipulation, a chiropractor may advise you about changing your biomechanics and posture and suggest other treatments and techniques. The ultimate goal of chiropractic is to help relieve pain.”

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