06/07/2025
A large study found that middle-aged and older adults who develop chronic pain often show worsening symptoms of depression and loneliness up to eight years before their pain starts. Researchers compared over 3,600 adults with moderate to severe pain to a matched group without pain, revealing that those with pain had steadily increasing depression and loneliness long before their discomfort appeared. In contrast, people without pain showed stable emotional health during the same period.
The study suggests that early mental health struggles may play a role in triggering later chronic pain. Depression and loneliness can increase stress and inflammation, making the body more sensitive to pain through changes in immune and nervous system responses. This means addressing mental health early could help prevent or delay physical pain, especially for vulnerable groups with fewer social and financial resources.
Most participants reported pain in areas like the back, knees, hips, or feet. The study also found loneliness—feeling a lack of meaningful social connection—was linked to pain and depression, while social isolation (actual lack of contact) was not. This highlights the importance of the quality of relationships in managing pain.
