Unmasking Chronic Pain’s HIDDEN Threat
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 26, 2024
If you suffer from chronic pain, chances are you often feel isolated.
But the reality is, as of 2021, more than 51 million (or 1 in 5) Americans were battling this type of enduring pain. So, you’re FAR from alone.
Your risk rises with age. Twenty-seven percent of adults aged 45 to 64 have experienced chronic pain.
But 34 percent of Americans 85 or older have suffered from this long-lasting agony.
And now researchers are sounding a new alarm, warning that losing your quality of life could be just the start of your troubles.
When chronic pain is left unaddressed, another shocking consequence can occur. And it’s a silent threat… at least at first.
Regardless of the root cause of your pain, such as back, knee, or nerve, new research reveals your BRAIN could be at risk.
It may sound like it’s something straight out of a sci-fi thriller, but a shocking study found that chronic pain can fast-forward brain aging and erode your precious memories.
In fact, over 40 percent of the world’s population who suffer from chronic pain battle this sort of brain damage—even if most don’t know it.
Imagine going about your day when a sharp twinge in your knee suddenly stops you in your tracks.
You brush it off, thinking it’s just a temporary annoyance. Little do you know that the pesky pain will be hanging around for a LONG time… or that it’s secretly scheming to accelerate your brain aging.
For the groundbreaking study of more than 9,000 people with knee osteoarthritis, researchers developed a model to compare a person’s brain age to their chronological age.
They quickly uncovered a troubling connection between long-term pain and memory loss. Even worse, the arthritis sufferer’s brains aged faster than those who didn’t battle chronic pain.
The hippocampus, a section of the brain that helps store memories, takes the biggest hit during this accelerated aging process.
And we don’t have to look far for the trigger. People with chronic musculoskeletal pain have higher inflammatory markers, and inflammation is at the heart of brain aging and cognitive decline.
This is a wake-up call to STOP ignoring chronic pain and do something about it. Make an appointment to talk with your doctor about your options.
In the meantime, the following are some drug-free ways to help you dial down your chronic pain AND put the brakes on brain aging.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces pain by strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and increasing endorphin levels.
- Yoga and stretching: Gentle yoga poses and stretching exercises can alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce chronic pain.
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and promote healing.
- Massage therapy: Massaging sore muscles and joints can help reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
- Hot and cold therapy: Applying heat relaxes tense muscles and improves blood flow, while cold therapy can numb pain and reduce inflammation.
- Herbal remedies: Certain herbs, including turmeric, ginger, and Boswellia, have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce chronic pain.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, or taking supplements can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Capsaicin: Topical creams or patches containing capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers, can relieve chronic pain by desensitizing nerve endings.
- Adequate sleep: Getting enough quality sleep allows your body to repair and recover, reducing chronic pain.
You don’t have to (and shouldn’t) live with chronic pain and its devastating consequences. Commit to finding solutions to relieve yours.
P.S. Check out this WEIRD ear trick that’s proven to EASE pain. (No pills!)
Source:
Lei Zhao, Jiao Liu, Wenhui Zhao, et al., Morphological and genetic decoding shows heterogeneous patterns of brain aging in chronic musculoskeletal pain, Nature Mental Health, Volume 2, April 2024, 435-449, [doi. org /10. 1038 /s44220-024-00223-3]
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...
Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk
We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...
Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It
Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....
Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal
Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...
Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple
Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....
Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom
From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...
The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory
Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...