South Texas Healthy Living: Chronic Pain

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Chronic pain can be complex and has many causes. It includes illness, injury, or a long-term condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC says nearly 21% of U.S. adults, about 51.6 million Americans, are dealing with chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting more than three months while 17.1 million of them live with high-impact chronic pain that significantly limits their ability to work or perform daily activities. 

A serious public health concern, chronic pain is highly prevalent among older Americans. Nearly 53% of adults over the age of 65 experience persistent pain with 30% of seniors reporting chronic pain compared to 8.5% of adults aged 18-29, according to the CDC.

Regardless of age, untreated chronic pain can greatly impact a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their ability to function day to day. It can lead to decreased mobility, impaired immunity, hormonal imbalances, an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

Broadcast live on Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22 at 11 a.m. on KGBT 4.1, the program will highlight the common causes, risk factors, and types of chronic pain, as well as the treatment options available locally to help patients manage their persistent pain.

A rebroadcast of the show will air on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29 at 11 a.m. on KGBT 4.1.