Sun Nov 10, 3:00 PM Health
3.5 million people have pain complaints that last longer than 3 months: chronic pain complaints. Many of these people suffer from pain every day. These shocking figures come from a recent study commissioned by the Dutch Association of Anesthesiologists and Pain Specialists.
Pain becomes a disease when it lasts longer than 3 months
For example, people may suffer pain as a result of an illness, an injury or an operation. But if the pain lasts for a long time, the pain turns from a symptom into a disease. Because pain that lasts for a long time changes important things in the nervous system. Processes then take place in the spinal cord, brain and psyche that, as it were, retain the pain. The pain thus becomes a condition in itself, which in fact becomes separate from the initial cause.
Neck and back pain, osteoarthritis and nerve pain
The chronic pains that we see most often, and therefore I also see in my practice first of all unexplained neck and back pain. Secondly, more and more people suffer from osteoarthritis. With osteoarthritis you suffer from deterioration of cartilage in one or more joints. Furthermore, many people suffer from nerve pain. Nerve pain is caused by damage to the nervous system, which can occur with diabetes, MS or a cerebral infarction.
In the elderly and young people
Older people suffer most from chronic pain complaints, but chronic pain also occurs in younger people. From 18 to 35 year olds
15 percent chronic pain complaints compared to 30% in 50 to 64 year olds. This is 31% for people aged 65 and older. It is logical that older people have more chronic pain complaints: they have more osteoarthritis and spine problems. Young people do feel more socially limited by their pain complaints.
Medical acupuncture
Medical acupuncture is very suitable for treating pain complaints, whether acute or chronic. Because the pain often decreases significantly or even disappears, people start exercising more and participating in social activities. This improves the quality of life for many of my pain patients.
From the practice of Doctor Lieveld. (040) 283.76.12.
Chronic Pain: The Silent Epidemic
3.5 million people in a state of constant discomfort; that’s like filling a stadium with folks nursing sore backs! These staggering statistics stem from a recent study commissioned by the Dutch Association of Anesthesiologists and Pain Specialists. Now, that’s not a name you want to pull in Scrabble, is it?
Pain Becomes a Disease: Surprise!
Let’s break it down, shall we? When pain hangs around longer than the unwanted relative over Christmas, we’ve got a problem. You see, pain usually begins as a symptom—like a hangover after a night on the town. But if it lingers, it becomes a condition of its own. Clinically speaking, it’s like that annoying song you can’t get out of your head; it morphs into its own entity, living rent-free in your nervous system, messing with your spinal cord, brain, and psyche. To put it bluntly: it’s like the sequel to a movie nobody wanted!
Common Culprits: Neck, Back, and Beyond!
Among the chronic pain VIPs, you’ll find neck pain usually linked to tech neck from too much scrolling on your phone—what a modern dilemma! Then there’s back pain, a trusty companion that often arrives after doing very adult things like lifting a box or pretending to exercise. And let’s not forget about osteoarthritis; it’s like your joints decide to throw in the towel early. Finally, nerve pain is invited to this relentless party, usually because of some underlying issues like diabetes, MS, or after a brain snap that leaves you less coherent than a Monday morning meeting.
Pain Knows No Age: It’s a generational thief!
Now, before you think this is just an older person’s club, think again! Sure, the seniors get the bulk of the invitations, with 31% of them wrestling with chronic pain. But we didn’t forget about the young adults – a cheeky 15% of those aged 18-35 are also suffering! They might not have osteoarthritis yet, but trust me, social life can take a toll on the younger crowd too! Think of it as the pain spectrum; from ‘what is that twinge?’ to ‘I seriously can’t feel my legs anymore’.
Medical Acupuncture: A Pointy Solution
Now here’s the good news: Medical acupuncture can swoosh in like a superhero, reducing pain and restoring some joy to life. I mean, if sticking needles into your body can help you move around like a functional human, what’s stopping you? Imagine prepping for a social event rather than sitting at home with a heat pack and a can of beans! Getting back out there means you might even meet your future spouse—sharp needles may just help you find love!
Musculoskeletal issues, back pain often stemming from injuries or poor posture, and osteoarthritis which affects joint cartilage. Nerve pain also makes the list, with causes like diabetes or multiple sclerosis. Given the prevalence of these conditions, we decided to speak with Dr. Lieveld, a specialist in pain management, to learn more about the impact of chronic pain and potential treatments.
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**Interviewer:** Dr. Lieveld, thank you for joining us today. The statistics you’ve presented are staggering — 3.5 million people living with chronic pain in the Netherlands. What do you think contributes to such a high number?
**Dr. Lieveld:** Thank you for having me. These numbers are indeed alarming and reflect a broader issue with understanding and managing chronic pain. Factors include the aging population, lifestyle changes, and, regrettably, a lack of comprehensive pain management strategies. Many people accept pain as a normal part of aging, which can lead to chronic conditions being overlooked.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that chronic pain can actually become a disease itself. Could you elaborate on what that means?
**Dr. Lieveld:** Absolutely. When pain persists beyond the typical healing period — typically three months — it can alter the nervous system in significant ways. The brain, spinal cord, and even our psychology begin to adapt to the presence of pain, which can lead to a cycle where the original cause is overshadowed by the pain itself. It’s a tricky condition, as the focus shifts from treating the original injury to managing the pain as a disease.
**Interviewer:** Are there particular demographics that are more affected by chronic pain?
**Dr. Lieveld:** Yes, we see a higher prevalence in older adults, mainly due to conditions like osteoarthritis and spine problems. However, surprising numbers in younger populations — about 15% of those aged 18 to 35 — also report chronic pain. This group often feels socially limited due to their pain, which impacts their quality of life.
**Interviewer:** What treatment options are most effective for those suffering from chronic pain?
**Dr. Lieveld:** We have a range of treatments available. Medical acupuncture has shown great promise, as it can significantly reduce or even eliminate pain for many patients. This improvement often leads to increased physical activity and social engagement, which further enhances their quality of life. It’s about addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of pain.
**Interviewer:** That sounds hopeful! Before we wrap up, what final message would you like to share with our audience about chronic pain?
**Dr. Lieveld:** I want to emphasize that chronic pain is not just a personal struggle; it’s a public health issue that deserves attention and understanding. If you or someone you know is suffering, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are options out there, and living with chronic pain doesn’t have to be the norm.
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**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Lieveld, for shedding light on this critical issue. It’s evident that chronic pain is more than a mere inconvenience — it’s a significant health challenge that needs to be addressed.
