Yes, increasing age is a significant risk factor for chronic pain, with prevalence rising substantially in middle-aged and older adults due to increased "wear and tear," musculoskeletal issues, other medical conditions (comorbidities), and changes in pain processing, making it a major health challenge in this demographic.
In general, some risk factors include: Genetics: Some chronic pain causes, like migraines and rheumatoid arthritis, run in biological families (are genetic). Aging: As you age, your risk for developing chronic pain increases, especially “wear and tear” causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Aging increases the risk of chronic diseases like dementia, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. Older adults are also more vulnerable to severe illness from infections, including flu and pneumonia.
Many older adults have chronic pain. Women also report having more chronic pain than men, and they are at a greater risk for many pain conditions. Some people have two or more chronic pain conditions.
Chronic pain disproportionately affects middle-aged and older adults in the United States (U.S.), who are also more likely to experience high-impact chronic pain—or chronic pain that limits functional activities and social participation.
Early pain onset was defined as chronic pain that started at age 30 years or before. Intermediate age of onset was defined as chronic pain that began at age 30–45 years, while later pain was defined as chronic pain with onset after age 45 years.
The 4 P's of Chronic Pain—Pain, Purpose, Pacing, and Positivity—provide a framework for understanding and managing chronic pain effectively. This article will delve into each of these components, offering insights and strategies for those grappling with chronic pain.
Chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability, and death in America. Most chronic diseases are caused by a short list of risk factors: smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use.
What are the Most Common Causes of Chronic Pain?
A well-known comprehensive approach to the management of persistent pain is the Five A's of Pain Management: analgesia, activities of daily living, adverse effects, affect, and aberrant drug-related behaviors.
2 Age is a well-known traditional risk factor, which is generally considered nonmodifiable for obvious reasons.
What are the 5 C's of chronic disease management?
Nearly 93% of adults 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, while nearly 79% have two or more. Learn more about the most common chronic medical conditions and how you can prevent or manage them.
Aging has also been linked to an increase in the pain threshold, a decline of painful sensations, and a decrease in pain tolerance. Still, elderly patients with chronic pain show an increased risk for dementia and cognitive impairment.
Most people are considered elderly at 65, which is the age when they qualify for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older adults.
Chronic pain can fluctuate over time and there may be periods where your pain is more intense. The period when you experience your symptoms more intensely than your normal day-to-day is called a flare and is: A normal part of persistent pain. A response to changes in environment, activity, overall health, or stress.
Ongoing assessment of the 4 A's of pain treatment is helpful. The 4 A's—analgesia, activities of daily living, adverse events, and aberrant drug-taking behaviors—can structure assessment and serve as a means by which to record patient response to therapy.
Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, as well as topical ointments and patches can help with pain relief, but don't discount the power of movement, says Christopher. In addition to routine aerobic exercise, try gentle stretching, yoga or a muscle massage.
Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often the first suggestion when managing chronic pain, especially for joint or muscle aches. Acetaminophen is considered one of the safest over-the-counter pain relievers when used at recommended doses, but it has limitations and hidden risks.
Here's a list of debilitating diseases that significantly change the lives of millions of people:
Risk factor examples
As of 2025, the most common chronic diseases in the United States include coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
Chronic pain is long standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis. Chronic pain may be "on" and "off" or continuous. It may affect people to the point that they can't work, eat properly, take part in physical activity, or enjoy life.
Many diseases can cause chronic pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. These conditions can cause inflammation of joints leading to pain and stiffness, muscle pain, and nerve pain that persists for months or even years.
Physiological indicators