Family Chiropractic Plus

Here in St. Petersburg, we love our active lifestyle, from walking the pier to enjoying our beautiful beaches. But for the over 100 million Americans who experience chronic pain, daily life can be a significant challenge. According to a recent Institute of Medicine report, chronic pain affects more people than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Living with pain is debilitating. At Family Chiropractic Plus, we believe that understanding the underlying causes of pain is the first step toward finding effective relief. September is Pain Awareness Month; an initiative started in 2001 to educate the public about this widespread condition. In an effort to bring awareness to our community, we've gathered 10 essential facts about pain. 1. Pain is the #1 cause of disability in the United States. Pain causes more long-term disability than cancer and heart disease combined. The number of sufferers is staggering, with 100 million Americans living with chronic pain. 2. Your attitude can affect your pain. Research from Oregon Health and Science University found that individuals who have a proactive attitude and seek ways to cope with their pain tend to have better outcomes than those who focus on the pain itself. This is why a holistic approach that includes managing the mental and emotional aspects of pain is so important. 3. One in three people is personally affected by pain. More than 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain each year, and another 25 million experience acute pain from an injury or surgery. It can affect anyone, but it is most common in adults aged 24 to 64. 4. Women may experience pain differently than men. A 2005 study found that women tend to report more pain throughout their lifetimes compared to men. However, women also tend to seek treatment more quickly and often recover faster. 5. Pain is incredibly costly. Pain costs our country an estimated $560-$635 billion annually in lost workdays, medical expenses, and other benefits. That's about $2,000 for every person living in the U.S. 6. Pain is a top reason for doctor visits. After the common cold, back pain is the number one reason people visit their family doctor. A survey by Research! America found that while most sufferers (63%) see their family doctor, 40% also make an appointment with a specialist, such as an orthopedist or chiropractor. 7. Pain significantly affects the workforce. The American Productivity Audit found that workers with a pain condition lose an average of 4.6 hours of productive time each week. An estimated $61.2 billion per year is lost, not from absenteeism, but from reduced performance at work. 8. Smoking can make pain worse. Studies show that smoking increases your risk of developing back pain and can intensify chronic pain for those with conditions like fibromyalgia. The pain is often reported as more intense in smokers than in nonsmokers. 9. Pain disrupts sleep. An estimated 20% of American adults report that pain disrupts their sleep a few nights a week or more. This creates a difficult cycle, as lack of sleep can interfere with mood, healing, and overall quality of life. 10. The weather can affect pain. You're not imagining it! Changes in barometric pressure, especially common here in Florida, can cause increased joint pain for some people, particularly those with arthritis. Find Relief at Family Chiropractic Plus There are many effective treatments available for both acute and chronic pain. This month, help create awareness by sharing this information and learning more about the advanced, non-invasive options that can help you or your loved ones find relief. If you are living with pain here in the St. Petersburg area, you don't have to suffer in silence. The team at Family Chiropractic Plus is here to help you find the root cause of your pain and create a personalized plan to help you reclaim your life. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.