While it has been known that poorer and less-educated older Americans are more likely to suffer from chronic pain compared to the more educated and wealthy, the disparity between these two groups was not fully realized until recently. In fact, the gap is quite significant. Recent research has revealed this disparity in more detail.
Those Who Didn’t Finish High School
According to a 2017 study by University at Buffalo, researchers found that the least-educated people were 80% more likely to experience chronic pain than the most educated people. Also, when looking specifically at severe chronic pain, people who didn’t finish high school were 370% more likely to experience severe chronic pain compared to people who had graduate degrees.
Women (with Regards to Migraines, Neck Pain, Lower Back Pain, and Facial Pain)
According to the Health Statistics for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2009 Department of Health and Human Services Report, women are more likely to experience chronic pain for certain conditions than compared to men. Women are more likely to have pain in the form of migraines, severe headaches, lower back pain, neck pain, and facial pain.
Additionally, being a woman is a risk factor for other painful conditions, such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, approximately 90% of fibromyalgia cases are women. The reason for such a disparity between men and women may have to do with hormones.
Those with Mood and Anxiety Disorders
There is a vicious cycle between stress, anxiety and pain. Pain can lead to stress and anxiety, and being stressed and anxious all the time can take a toll on your body and also lead to pain.
A significant amount of people with mood disorders, like depression, and anxiety disorders suffer from chronic pain. According to a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, chronic pain was the most common physical condition reported by people with mood and anxiety disorders. In fact, 49% of the participants with mood disorders and 45% of those with anxiety disorders reported chronic pain.
Whether you fit into one of the discussed categories or not, we understand that chronic pain can be debilitating to anyone. If you suffer from chronic pain, consider visiting a pain management clinic. Apex Medical Center is a local Las Vegas pain management clinic that is dedicated to helping local residents find pain relief. Call today or book online! We have 3 convenient locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada.
