Persistent chronic pain may increase the risk of premature death: Study

New research showed that individuals who were often troubled with pain were at a greater risk of dying early.

Middle-aged adults suffering from severe pain persistently that interferes with daily life may be at an increased risk of dying early, finds a new study.

Chronic pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage.

The study showed that individuals who were often troubled with pain had a 29% increased risk of dying early, and those who reported “quite a bit” and “extreme” pain interference had 38% and 88% increased risks.

Recent research shows people who suffer from chronic pain tend to have diminished attention capacity and impaired memory and are also at risk of dementia. (Shutterstock)

“Our study sheds new light by showing that it is not the pain itself that increases the risk of death but the amount of disruption of everyday living linked to having long-term pain,” said Ross Wilkie from the Keele University in Britain.

For the study, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, the team included 6,324 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and 10,985 participants from the North Staffordshire Osteoarthritis Project. The adults were aged 50 years.

Additional studies are needed to determine the mechanisms through which disabling pain may increase the risk of premature death, the researchers said.

According to a recent study, people who suffer from chronic pain tend to have diminished attention capacity and impaired memory and were also at risk of dementia.

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