If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you know that we like to pitch certain conservative treatment options for chronic pain. Activities like controlled exercise, stretching techniques and a healthy diet can help to control chronic pain and decrease your likelihood of flare ups. But what if other activities could provide similar benefits? Activities like going to a concert or checking out an art exhibit?
According to a new study published in the Journal of Pain, adding some culture to your regular routine could help to reduce your likelihood of chronic pain. For their study, researchers looked at data from a 10-year study that tracked the progression of pain in more than 2,600 older adults living in England. None of the participants were experiencing pain at the beginning of the study, but after 10 years, more than 42 percent said they experienced moderate to severe chronic pain.
Chronic Pain and Culture
Some of the findings were not all that surprising. Researchers found that individuals with poor sleep patterns, those who had mental health problems and those who were poorer and less educated were more likely to suffer from chronic pain. But one aspect they found interesting was the association between participation in cultural or social events and the development of chronic pain. Researchers noticed that stretching and endurance training were more likely to reduce the risk of developing chronic pain when those activities were paired with participation in cultural and social events.
“This study also found evidence that psychosocial factors may be protective against the development of chronic pain, in particular engagement in cultural activities such as going to museums, art galleries, exhibitions, concerts, the theatre or the opera,” wrote lead author Daisy Fancourt, PhD, a senior research associate at University College London. “It is notable that the odds ratios for cultural engagement were directly comparable with those of vigorous physical activity, suggesting a reduction of 25-26% in risk of chronic pain incidence.”
Why The Reduction In Chronic Pain?
So why do researchers believe that chronic pain likelihood may be reduced by visiting a museum or checking out a summer concert? According to them, the event is likely paired with some gentle physical activity, which can be beneficial for your body, as well as psychological benefits that come from social engagement and positive cultural experiences.
“This study is the first to explore simultaneously potential physical and psychosocial protective factors for the development of chronic pain in older adults. Our results demonstrate that both vigorous weekly activity and regular cultural engagement appear to reduce risk of incident chronic moderate-severe pain,” the researchers concluded.
Although the study was observational in nature, it points to an interesting correlation. Get outside, explore new places and find an enjoyable cultural experience, and you may be able to reduce your chronic pain risk. A visit to the museum shouldn’t be your only treatment technique, but when added to a regular care plan, it may have some rewarding effects!