Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Who Is at Risk for Chronic Pain

Factors that may increase the risk of chronic pain 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). However, 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).

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