How Physical Activity Builds Pain Tolerance and Reduces Chronic Pain Risk
In 2023, researchers from UiT The Arctic University of Norway, the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN), and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health made a groundbreaking discovery. They analyzed data from over 10,000 adults and found a striking pattern: physically active individuals had a higher pain tolerance than their sedentary counterparts. Moreover, the higher the activity level, the greater the pain tolerance.
Can Exercise Lower Chronic Pain Risk?
Intrigued by these findings, the researchers delved deeper to understand how physical activity might influence the likelihood of developing chronic pain years later. Could enhanced pain tolerance be the key?
“We found that people who were more active in their free time had a lower chance of experiencing various types of chronic pain 7-8 years later,” explains Anders Arnes, a doctoral fellow at UiT and UNN.
Even small increases in activity levels made a difference. For instance, transitioning from light to moderate activity was linked to a 5% lower risk of reporting chronic pain in the future.
“For severe chronic pain affecting multiple areas of the body, higher activity levels were associated with a 16% reduced risk,” Arnes adds.
Measuring Pain Tolerance
To explore this connection, the researchers included nearly 7,000 participants from the Tromso survey, a long-term health and lifestyle study. They gathered data on participants’ exercise habits and assessed their cold pain tolerance in a laboratory setting. Years later, they checked whether these individuals developed chronic pain lasting three months or more, including severe, widespread pain
The results were revealing. While 60% of participants reported some form of chronic pain, only 5% experienced severe pain in multiple areas. Those with higher pain tolerance were less likely to fall into this latter group, suggesting a protective effect of physical activity.
How Exercise Helps
“This suggests that physical activity increases our ability to tolerate pain and may be one of the ways it helps reduce the risk of severe chronic pain,” says Arnes.
The findings, recently published in PAIN – Journal of the International Association for the Study of Pain, emphasize the importance of staying active not only for general health but also for long-term pain management.
What About Those With Chronic Pain?
If you’re already living with chronic pain, exercise can still be beneficial—with the right approach.
“Physical activity isn’t inherently dangerous,” notes Arnes. “However, individuals with chronic pain should follow an adapted exercise program that balances effort to avoid overexertion or underactivity.”
Healthcare professionals experienced in managing chronic pain can help create a tailored plan. As a general guideline, ensure any post-exercise discomfort doesn’t persist long-term. Temporary reactions are normal, but prolonged worsening should be avoided.
Key takeaways
This study highlights the dual benefits of physical activity: boosting pain tolerance and lowering the risk of chronic pain. Whether pain-free or managing a chronic condition, regular, well-planned exercise could be your pathway to a healthier, more resilient future.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
