{"id":6124,"date":"2015-09-30T12:29:47","date_gmt":"2015-09-30T16:29:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/68.183.58.104\/learn\/?p=6124"},"modified":"2021-06-30T15:54:05","modified_gmt":"2021-06-30T19:54:05","slug":"root-10-hidden-chronic-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/peachvitamins.com\/learn\/root-10-hidden-chronic-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"Get to the Root: 10 Hidden Causes of Chronic Pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you’re in pain<\/em> on daily basis, you’re not alone. Chronic pain<\/strong> is pretty common; in 2011, 100 million Americans<\/a> were suffering from chronic pain, and that number may have increased. Unlike acute pain<\/em>, which comes from an injury and lasts a relatively short time, chronic pain<\/em> can come from unknown causes. While the pain may start with an injury and then persist for months or years, it can also come from an underlying cause. If you are in pain and can’t seem to solve it, get to the root cause so you can solve it. These 10 issues are all possible hidden causes of chronic pain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1. Low Thyroid<\/h1>\n

Hypoactive thyroid<\/em> (also called hypothyroidism<\/em>) is an increasingly common ailment in America. Achiness is a symptom of underactive thyroid, so pain could be linked to thyroid activity<\/strong>. Right now, many people with low thyroid symptoms believe their thyroids are healthy because their doctor said their lab results were normal. However, most doctors only check TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and T4 (the inactive thyroid hormone)– not free T3, reverse T3, or TPO (thyroid peroxidase) antibodies, all of which are more accurate reflections of thyroid activity and disease. TPO antibodies alert people to Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune condition and the main cause of hypothyroidism. So if your doctor is only checking a couple thyroid markers, do your research, check your symptoms, get more tests<\/a>, and figure out if a hypoactive thyroid is causing your chronic pain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

2. Low Sex Hormones<\/h1>\n

Low estrogen<\/em> in women and low testosterone<\/em> in men can cause chronic pain. As women age and go through menopause, low estrogen can cause achiness. Low testosterone in men can lower stamina and inhibit recovery after exercise, which can mean more post-workout soreness. Men and women can try natural supplements to treat low hormones, but if they do not help, it’s a good idea to consult a holistic healthcare practitioner.<\/p>\n

3. Chronic Infections<\/h1>\n

“A chronic infection<\/em>, such as Epstein-Barr, can underlie chronic pain and needs to be diagnosed and treated by a knowledgeable health care professional. Lyme disease, the fastest-growing bug-borne infectious disease in the United States, is often overlooked and can mimic serious conditions, including Alzheimer\u2019s and other neurological disorders<\/a>.” Contrary to popular belief, Lyme disease does not always present with a bulls-eye rash. It can develop slowly and eventually present joint pain. “Effective treatment\u2014which conventional physicians may not be trained to deliver\u2014requires an integrative approach, including targeted antibiotics and nutrients to support the immune system. To find a knowledgeable physician, visit<\/a> ilads.org<\/a>.”<\/p>\n

4. Sugar<\/h1>\n<\/a> Photo by Elisa Azzali\n

Sugar<\/strong> causes inflammation<\/em>, which in turn causes and perpetuates pain. While removing all dietary sugar<\/em> may be enough for some people to relieve their pain, others may need to cut out grains entirely. Learn to read labels carefully for the many different names of sugar<\/a>. Sugar is hidden in tons of foods<\/strong> where you wouldn’t expect it- even in things you think are healthy, like plain canned beans! Cut out sugar and eat a whole food diet with plenty of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation and pain.<\/p>\n

5. Body Fat<\/h1>\n

Excess body weight can increase systemic inflammation and decrease your threshold of pain<\/a>. To lose excess fat<\/em>, especially the most harmful visceral belly fat, take a slow and steady approach to lifestyle changes that will help you reduce excess fat. Remember, the important thing is not to lose weight (which often includes lean body mass), but to reduce body fat percentage<\/strong>. Do this by doing both cardio and strength training for exercise, reducing simple carbs, eating plenty of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and fruits, and managing stress. Fad and crash dieting will not help. They actually increase stress on your body, so in the long term, they could lead to more fat storage around your middle. Also remember that the end goal here is not to look a certain way– your goal is to reduce your pain<\/em> and improve your overall health<\/em>.<\/p>\n

6. Lack of Sleep<\/h1>\n

Like some of the other issues in this list, lack of sleep<\/strong> increases inflammation, which in turn increases pain. “One study found that getting extra sleep reduced pain sensitivity as much as 60 mg of codeine,<\/a>” but unfortunately, chronic pain<\/em> and sleep deprivation<\/em> can create a negative cycle, each worsening the other<\/a>. Check out some of our previous blog posts for ideas on how to improve your sleep:<\/p>\n