Chronic Pain

What Increases Your Risk

Factors that may increase the risk of chronic 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). But 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).
• Lifestyle, such as not eating healthy foods, not exercising regularly, smoking, or having a substance abuse or alcohol dependency problem.

Other factors that may increase your risk for chronic pain include injury, stress, inactivity, relationship problems, or a history of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: January 20, 2009
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.