Article written by Mérédith Noël, Call Coordinator at Brio EAP
Pain is a common experience. It can be described in many ways—mild, temporary, recurring, daily, and more. While it often serves as a warning signal from the body, pain can also become persistent. Here, we’re specifically talking about physical pain.
Pain is considered chronic when it lasts over time or beyond the normal healing period. For someone living with chronic pain, daily life often involves a whirlwind of emotions and discomfort. It can lead to a loss of self-esteem, isolation, unemployment, sexual difficulties, rejection, prejudice, separation, and even suicidal thoughts. That’s why we must never minimize or dismiss someone’s condition—chronic pain often traps people in a vicious cycle, with the body and mind deeply interconnected. Physical limitations caused by pain can affect work and social life, often being just the tip of the iceberg.
like a cast, a bandage, or a mobility aid. While you may have heard someone complain about pain, many people become skilled at hiding it—pretending everything is fine. This is why we should never downplay someone’s pain. Everyone experiences it differently depending on its origin, their lifestyle, and other personal factors.
There’s a lot of hope in current research, but once again, the foundation lies in healthy lifestyle habits. It bears repeating: eating well and staying active are key pillars of well-being.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for noncommunicable diseases and other health issues. These diseases—including heart attacks, strokes, cancers, diabetes, and chronic respiratory illnesses—account for nearly 74% of deaths worldwide. People who are insufficiently active have a 20–30% higher risk of death compared to those who are active enough.
For children and teens: improved fitness, heart and metabolic health, stronger bones, better cognitive performance, better mental health, and reduced body fat.
For adults and older adults: lower all-cause mortality, reduced risks of cardiovascular death, hypertension, several cancers, type 2 diabetes, and falls. It also improves mental health, cognitive function, sleep quality, and reduces body fat.
Remember, every small step counts, and it’s essential to respect your limits. Chronic pain can be reduced—and in some cases, even eliminated—but professional support is key. Always follow the advice of your doctor and pharmacist.
