From exercise and over-the-counter medications to alcohol use and prescription drugs, North Americans report using a variety of strategies to manage and prevent day-to-day pain. A recent study conducted by researchers at Western University delved into the frequency of these pain management strategies, their correlation with pain levels, and regional differences between Americans and Canadians.
Led by sociology professor Anna Zajacova, the research team analyzed data from an online survey of over 4,000 adults, exploring up to 10 pain treatment options, including medication, physical therapy, and exercise. The study, published in the journal Innovation in Aging, uncovered intriguing findings about the diverse approaches individuals take to alleviate pain.
One striking revelation was the connection between alcohol consumption and pain management. Adults reporting high levels of pain were eight times more likely to turn to alcohol as a pain management strategy than those experiencing low levels or no pain. Moreover, Americans were found to be twice as likely as Canadians to use alcohol for pain relief, with almost eight percent of respondents in the U.S. relying on alcohol compared to just under four percent in Canada. Notably, this percentage jumped to 21 percent among those with the highest pain levels in both countries.
Sociology professor Anna Zajacova highlighted the potential counterproductivity of using alcohol for pain relief. “Previous research has shown that it is not only ineffective at treating pain, but it can actually be counterproductive,” she stated. The study suggests that high alcohol use in the U.S. may be linked to limited access to healthcare compared to Canada.
“Our research shows that using alcohol to treat pain is somewhat common, unfortunately,” Zajacova added. “Our study also indicates that there is likely a lot of unmet need for better treatment options for people to manage their pain.”
While alcohol use emerged as a concerning trend, not all pain management strategies were deemed counterproductive. Over-the-counter medications, exercise, and acceptance were found to be the most commonly used strategies, particularly by those with low levels of pain. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding non-medical and non-pharmacological approaches people adopt for pain management.
Zajacova hopes that the research will guide clinicians toward adopting holistic, patient-centered approaches that consider a range of self-care strategies. The study encourages conversations around both counterproductive and beneficial strategies, aiming to improve pain management options and address the unmet needs of individuals seeking relief.
The findings underscore the significance of exploring diverse pain management approaches and developing comprehensive strategies to enhance the well-being of individuals dealing with chronic pain.
