Chronic Pain and Aging

While chronic pain may make people feel older, it may also speed up the aging process. Recent research with individuals suffering from long-term back pain and neck pain found that the aging process may be accelerated by up to 30 years.

Findings published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, found that people suffering from chronic pain age 50-59, looked comparable to healthy individuals who were older by 20-30 years. The study also found that people with chronic pain functioned as if they were much older when doing certain types of physical activities including walking/jogging, climbing stairs, using the upper extremities, and performing routine activities like bathing, dressing, and eating.

Research done at the University of California found that 24 percent of individuals experienced pain through all four of the above mentioned physical activities. Only 9 percent of individuals with chronic pain were able to jog a mile, while 37 percent of individuals who were without pain were able to jog a mile. Additionally, 50 percent of individuals with chronic pain were able to walk a short distance without difficulty. However, 91 percent of same aged individuals who do not experience pain walked the short distance without complications. This study confirms what those living with chronic pain already feel on a daily basis.

When considering chronic back pain and neck pain and the physical and mental tolls of chronic pain, it is crucial for those living with chronic pain to stay active by exercising or using physical therapy.