Pain through the ages

Pain can affect anyone, at any age, and it can take a toll on both your physical and mental well-being.

Teens

Teenagers often struggle with headaches and stomach cramps, and it can lead to missed school days. Stress and anxiety from school can make discomfort worse, leading to more frequent absences. The more intense the pain, the harder it is for teens to participate in activities and socialize. If left unchecked, this cycle of pain and stress can continue into adulthood, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Adults

In adults, especially those in their working years, lower back aches can get in the way of daily tasks and work performance. Adults dealing with this might struggle to stay productive at their jobs, causing stress. This can lead to a vicious cycle where the spasms and knots get worse because of anxiety, resulting in more time away from work.

The Elderly

As people age, chronic pain becomes more of an issue, especially due to conditions like arthritis and osteoarthritis. For older adults, it often affects more than one area. This can lead to reduced mobility, limiting their capacity to perform daily tasks and increasing their risk of falls. This in turn can reduce their ability to live independently.

The Impact on Physical and Mental Health

• Stress and anxiety: The constant presence can create a cycle of worry.
• Depression and isolation: People may withdraw from social interactions, leading to feelings of loneliness.
• Sleep problems: Pain can interfere with sleep, which in turn worsens both mental and physical health.

You don’t need to suffer

No matter your age, there are steps to manage pain:

• Deal with stress by finding ways to relax. Music, a long bath, whatever works for you.
• Stay active with gentle exercises to strengthen muscles and improve mobility.
• Ask for help, whether it’s seeing a doctor, using medication, or getting support from loved ones.

References

https://www.ncoa.org/article/exploring-the-link-between-chronic-pain-and-mental-health-in-older-adults/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36478020/

https://painsa.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Almost_1_in_5_South_African_adults_have_chronic.19.pdf

https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-019-2403-9