Chronic pain is more than just physical discomfort — it often leads to overwhelming fatigue. People with long-term pain report feeling drained of energy, making it difficult to engage with daily life. A study from the United Kingdom found that pain and fatigue are the two biggest barriers to maintaining an active and meaningful life.
Pain, in its short-term form, serves a protective purpose by alerting the body to injury and preventing further harm. However, when pain becomes chronic, the body’s pain system can become hypersensitive, triggering constant discomfort from even minor activities. About 21% of U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain, with 8% experiencing high-impact pain that limits daily activities. Chronic pain is often linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, which may explain why the pain persists even after inflammation heals. This heightened state of alertness is exhausting, requiring constant effort and mental energy to manage daily tasks.
For those dealing with chronic pain, the fatigue is compounded by factors like inflammation, disrupted hormone levels, and poor sleep. Managing chronic pain involves understanding how the body’s pain system works and adopting gradual strategies for relief. This journey is long and challenging, requiring patience, support, and a shift in how pain management is approached.
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SOURCE:
The Conversation, September 19, 2024
Source: Original Article
Publish Date: 2024-09-21 06:02:13