Regular Exercise May Boost Your Chronic Pain Tolerance

Good things in the old adage that “good things come to those who sweat” may include easing chronic pain, according to a new Norwegian study. 

The findings appear in the open journal PLOS One. Researchers studied data on 10,732 adults taken from two rounds of the Tromso Study. That survey originated to study heart related mortality.

Analysis of the 2007-2008 and 2015-2016 segments of the study determined that participants who reported more physical activity had greater pain tolerance than those who lived a more sedentary lifestyle.

Prevalence of Chronic Pain

Many people suffer from chronic pain daily.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 20 percent of Americans live with chronic pain. In addition, it is the leading cause of disability worldwide. As a result, 84 percent of sufferers can not work outside the home.

As a result, chronic pain can lead to mental health problems.

“People living with chronic pain are at heightened risk for mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders,” according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Chronic pain can affect sleep, increase stress levels and contribute to depression.

From 30 to 45 percent of people with chronic pain experience depression.

Footing the Bill

Healthcare costs and lost productivity total an estimated $600 billion a year, according to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. However, related costs push those figures even higher.

One of the treatments for chronic pain is opioids. However, such treatment can result in addiction.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (ACFA) reports that one in four people prescribed opioids in a medical clinic “struggles with opioid dependence.” 

As a result, opioid abuse cost the U. S. economy almost $1.5 trillion, according to Congress’s Joint Economic Committee.

Individually, opioid prescriptions take more out of patients’ pockets. Prescription opioids add about $800 to patient costs annually.  

 You Can Change

 “Only a few lifestyle choices have as large an impact on your health as physical activity,” states the CDC.

There are a wide range of health benefits derived from exercise. Among those benefits, according to the CDC, is improved brain health, weight loss and management, reduced risk of disease, strengthening bones and muscles and the ability to perform more daily activities.

There are a variety of resources for developing a regular exercise routine. They might include joining a gym, an exercise group, or going it alone. 

If you want to DIY your fitness plan, seeing your  doctor is a great place to start. In addition, various health organizations provide free information online.

 Read More:

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• Regular Internet Use May Ward Off Dementia According to Study

• Amniotic Fluid Eye Drops Untested Warns FDA

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Max Erkiletian

Max K. Erkiletian began writing for newspapers while still in high school. He went on to become an award-winning journalist and co-founder of the print magazine Free Bird. He has written for a wide range of regional and national publications as well as many on-line publications. That has afforded him the opportunity to interview a variety of prominent figures from former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank Paul Volker to Blues musicians Muddy Waters and B. B. King. Max lives in Springfield, MO with his wife Karen and their cat – Pudge. He spends as much time as possible with his kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.