Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as any type of pain that lasts for longer than three months. Chronic pain is not a natural part of aging. Injury, a health disorder, stress, and lifestyle factors are common causes of chronic pain. Research indicates that chronic pain is linked to Alzheimer’s disease though mechanisms that are not understood. Chronic pain is a source of further cognitive, social, and emotional decline. (1)
There are a variety of treatments for chronic pain, including medications, mindfulness, and physical therapy.
Preventing and Treating Chronic Pain
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, preventing the development of chronic pain is ideal. When pain becomes chronic, it is more difficult to treat. Maintaining good general health may reduce the risk of chronic pain. Some ways to reduce the risk of chronic pain include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight and diet.
- Engaging in regular exercise.
- Managing stress through mindfulness, breathing exercises, and maintaining activities and hobbies.
Medications are also common treatments for chronic pain management.
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help to reduce inflammation.
- Other medications such as Gabapentin and antidepressants may also be useful.
Non-pharmacological treatments may also be beneficial in managing chronic pain. These include:
- Physiotherapy from a pain specialist
- Exercise
- Psychological support from a psychologist
- Other approaches such as meditation, yoga, and biofeedback
For more information, see the International Association for the Study of Pain.
Alternative Treatments
Pain medications offer temporary relief, but they can also be costly, have adverse side effects, and can carry addiction risk when using opioids to manage pain (Mayo Clinic). Alternative treatment plans can provide longer-lasting benefits and supplement medication.
Utah State University’s Extension (USU Health Services Extension) discusses alternatives to medications for treating chronic pain. These include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Yoga/Tai Chi
- Mindfulness
CBT and ACT therapies are generally provided by psychologists, social workers, or other licensed mental health care professionals. CBT has been found to improve clients’ overall daily functioning and quality of life, and ACT helps clients learn to live with and accept pain in leading a fulfilling life.
Yoga is a form of mind-body meditation that involves breathing, poses, mindful awareness, meditation, and other activities. It has been found to be beneficial for pain reduction. For example, one study reported pain reduction with yoga was double that for an education control group. Tai Chi is a similar concept to yoga, but it focuses on movement and mind/body connections. Tai Chi has also been found to be beneficial for relieving chronic pain. Yoga and Tai Chi classes may be found in most communities or may be conducted in home through online resources.
For the full article on alternative treatments for chronic pain, please see USU Health Services Extension.
Sources
- Cao, S., Fisher, D.W., Yu, T. et al. The link between chronic pain and Alzheimer’s disease. J Neuroinflammation 16, 204 (2019).
- International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) (2020). Preventing Pain Factsheet.
- Mayo Clinic Staff.
- Utah State University Extension. Evidence-Based Alternative Pain Management Techniques for Chronic Pain.