Chronic Pain Statistics

Here are some more facts about chronic pain that can help you understand this condition—and start to combat it.

Most Common Chronic Pain Diagnoses

• Back pain is the leading cause of disability and lost productivity in the workplace
• Migraines are the 3rd most common disease in the world, affecting 1 out of 7 people
• About 50% of U.S. adults with arthritis suffer from persistent pain
• Chronic nerve pain affects 3-17% of adults

A Costly Condition

• The estimated total annual value of lost productivity due to chronic pain is $300 billion
• Patients with moderate pain average $4,516 more in healthcare costs annually

Mental Health Impacts

• People with chronic pain are 3x more likely to develop depression and anxiety
• Roughly 21-29% of patients misuse opioids prescribed for their chronic pain

Long-lasting and Far-Reaching

• Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting more than 3 months
• 1 in 5 adults in the US experiences chronic pain

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHRONIC PAIN

The Role of Chiropractic Care and Chronic Pain

Chiropractors are your partners in health throughout your entire lifetime. They will work with you to get to the root cause of your pain and provide a customized care plan that will help reach your short and long term goals. Some of the ways chiropractic care can empower you to overcome pain include: 

Chiropractic Adjustment for Chronic Pain 

Your chiropractor will use a gentle thrusting technique to restore movement to the spine and the restricted joints that may be causing pain. This will realign the vertebrae, stimulate the nervous system, stretch soft tissues, and reduce inflammation, muscle tension, and pain.

Education About Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is often caused by heightened sensitivity in the brain, not an actual injury. By educating patients on the reasons behind their pain, chiropractors can lessen a patient’s fear and apprehension as they begin to understand that the pain is just a sensation, and not something that’s actually harming their bodies.

Exercise for Chronic Pain

Exercise is proven to decrease inflammation, increase mobility, mobilize nervous tissue, and reduce pain sensitivity by up to 60%. But misalignments in your body can often make exercise difficult. Your chiropractor will find and adjust any misalignments in your musculoskeletal system to keep you moving pain free.

Manual Therapy for Chronic Pain

Chiropractors are board certified, musculoskeletal experts with specialty training and skills. Based on your needs, services may include:

• Joint Mobilization
• Myofascial Release
• Therapeutic Massage
• Trigger-point therapy

Working Together to Help You Overcome Chronic Pain 

Finding relief for your chronic pain is possible, and as a member of your healthcare team, your chiropractor is your partner. Chronic pain is complicated. But finding relief can be simple. Chiropractors work collaboratively with you to restore your normal activity levels, diminish your pain, and help empower you to reach your optimal health and live a life full of motion.

Don't suffer in pain any longer! Take action today to achieve new heights in health in your future. To schedule an evaluation, call your nearest MCR Chiropractic clinic or complete the form below.