Problems That Pain Can Cause

Whether pain is acute or chronic, it hurts. Plus, being in pain can cause both physical and emotional problems that make your life harder. Some common problems caused by pain are shown below. Because these problems are caused by pain, you can start to solve them by following a pain management plan. 

Physical problems

Lack of energy

Lack of energy can have many causes, with chronic pain being one. Nearly two-thirds of chronic pain patients have low energy, and many studies suggest that chronic pain causes tiredness. Plus, the more intense and long-lasting pain is, the more draining it tends to be. 

Poor sleep

Poor sleep can means you don’t sleep long or well enough. You may wake up when you want to be asleep or fall asleep at the wrong time (such as during the day). Chronic pain can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Sore muscles

Sore muscles are a form of chronic pain. Muscle aches are a symptom of some chronic issues (such as chronic myofascial pain and fibromyalgia syndrome). The treatments and medicines prescribed for chronic illness can also cause muscle soreness.

Limited mobility

Limited mobility makes it hard to be physically active. This is especially true if your chronic pain is caused by a sickness that limits your ability to move (such as arthritis, osteoporosis or multiple sclerosis). Even if you are not mobility-limited, chronic pain may feel even worse when you try to exercise.

Emotional problems

Depression

Depression is a feeling of sadness that can last a long time and make it harder to handle daily tasks. Pain can cause depression because it can make life harder. But depression can also cause physical pain.

Loss of interest in life

Loss of interest in life is a sign of depression. Chronic pain can make it harder to enjoy your favorite activities or even just get through the day. When living itself is painful, it can cause you to lose interest in life.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of tension or worry. It is a normal response to challenges. Chronic pain can cause anxiety because it can be hard to deal with. But anxiety can also cause symptoms of physical pain.

Anger

Anger is a feeling of resenting someone or something that happens to you. Having chronic pain can make you feel angry at your body, the pain itself or someone else (such as loved ones or caretakers).

Learn more about pain management