How COVID-19 Has Impacted Pain Management

In fall 2021, integrative health expert Dr. Wayne Jonas conducted a study with the Harris Poll to look at chronic-pain-management techniques and preferences, as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted pain and pain management.

More than half (56%) of Americans deal with chronic pain, and about three in four (73%) say they are in pain daily. Over-the-counter pain relievers (53%) and exercise (43%) were the top pain-management solutions.

However, COVID-19 changed the way many people manage their chronic pain. A fifth (20%) of respondents reported trying something new to manage their pain, 21% say they are speaking to their doctor more since the start of the pandemic, and a majority of participants (65%) reported using non-pharmacological treatments more often to manage pain since the pandemic began.

Stress and anxiety (26%) and lack of sleep (25%) make chronic pain worse for respondents, and exercise (26%), eating healthier foods (23%), and pain relievers (22%) improved it during the pandemic.

A majority (83%) stated their quality of life would greatly improve if they were better able to manage their chronic pain, and 79% reported they wish it was taken more seriously by healthcare providers.

However, well over half of those experiencing chronic pain (62%) don’t really know what type of healthcare provider could best help them. About 68% of respondents wished they had more information, and 80% have had to find ways to manage pain on their own.

With the general population showing an increased interest in non-pharmacological treatments (i.e., healthy eating, exercise, massage, and physical therapy), this is a huge area indicator of people’s readiness to receive more help and new ideas to improve and manage their chronic pain.