Chronic pain is a multifactorial symptom with many causes and is often associated with cognitive issues such as depression, anxiety, insomnia and fatigue. Insomnia has also been linked to higher levels of inflammatory markers and pain. In addition, alcohol & smoking use has also been linked to chronic pain ¹ ³.

Traditionally, musculoskeletal pain was associated with tissue damage, however we now know that that the sensation of pain is much more complex and can also be related to overstimulation of the nervous system and emotional factors due to a perceived threat (whether dangerous or not), for example, in a patient who is sitting at their desk all day, may not have the immediate threat of a lion chasing after them in Savannah, however the chronic stress of work can trigger elevated cortisol and create muscle tension and pain. This increased sensitivity has been linked to fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome ¹.

Amongst the obvious rheumatic triggers of pain and inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, are also lesser-known triggers such as hormonal issues, (e.g. menopause), and obesity. Chronic pain and lower pain threshold are also found in higher degrees in females ¹.

Additionally, incorrect dietary choices can also contribute to pain, such as diets low in fruits, vegetables, antioxidants and polyphenols, low in fibre which can trigger gut microbiome imbalance, diets high in animal protein and omega 6 to omega 3 ratio, excess sugar and saturated fats ². Along with incorrect dietary choices, micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12 and D, magnesium, zinc and beta-carotene can contribute ³.

Understandably, it can be quite difficult to ascertain what may be causing your chronic pain, so why don’t you make an appointment and we can professionally assess what might be driving your condition.