In this series, “Easy Exercises to Combat Chronic Pain,” occupational therapist Kevin Shelley focuses on common issues associated with chronic pain and simple exercises to strengthen weak muscles and enhance joint mobility, with the goal of helping you become pain-free.
Summary of Key Facts A recent study found that the incidence of chronic pain in the United States has exceeded that of other chronic conditions, including diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure.
More than 50 million adults (20.5 percent) in the United States have chronic pain, including 17 million (almost 7 percent) with high-impact chronic pain.
Chronic pain has been linked to depression, higher suicide risk, substance abuse, and dementia.
Health care costs related to chronic pain exceed half a trillion dollars per year, more than the annual costs for heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.
Exercise can have a significant effect on reducing chronic pain caused by functional issues and muscle weakness. Alarming Trend in Chronic Pain
Pain is a constant background noise of the human experience, and the volume is unfortunately rising….