Why Those With Chronic Pain are Concerned About COVID-19
With the pandemic of COVID-19 around us, having questions are understandable. However, those with chronic pain may have more concerns than others. Chronic pain can impact the immune system. So, will this affect your ability to fight the Coronavirus?
Who is at High Risk to Contract COVID-19?
Since COVID-19 emerged, we have learned a great deal. We know that certain people are more vulnerable than others. Illness, age, gender, and smoking all influence your risk. Additionally, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and lung conditions also increase vulnerability. Professionals believe that a compromised immune system increases the dangers of the virus. In fact, it has even been linked to a higher mortality rate.
How Chronic Pain Affects Your Immune System:
Chronic pain and inflammation stress out your immune system. Studies have found that pain reprograms genes in the immune system. Specifically, the DNA in T-cells gets changed. There is a clear connection between chronic pain and the function of immune cells. It remains unclear, however, if the ability to fight infection is changed.
Ongoing pain triggers stress. When pain becomes chronic, the stress becomes long-term too. The stress response in your body involves several systems. These systems include endocrine, immune, and neurological. The systems work to fight against the threat. Then, the hormone cortisol is released in response. Elevated cortisone levels are linked to reduced immune system function. Therefore, chronic pain causes long-term stress, which increases cortisol.
Autoimmune diseases are treated with immunosuppressant drugs. These individuals have weakened immune responses, so are at greater risk. These drugs were designed to inhibit the immune system. However, by reducing symptoms of their disease, they are put at risk for Coronavirus.
Chronic pain is also associated with chronic diseases. These diseases impact your immune system function. Pain causes stress which can cause changes in your body. Therefore, blood pressure is elevated, which can cause weight gain. These factors increase your risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease. The risk of cardiac diseases is higher in those with chronic pain.
How to Protect Yourself if You Have Chronic Pain:
You need to reduce stress to limit the effect pain has on your immunity. Relaxation techniques can calm your overactive nervous system. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and therapy can all help. You can also reduce stress by watching a movie, going outdoors, and performing lite exercises.
Also see, 5 Ways to Manage Pain Flare-Ups
Extra Steps to Fight COVID-19 With Higher Risk Patients:
Additionally, you need to take extra steps to fight COVID-19. Do not rely solely on your immune system.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Wash for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose
- Clean all surfaces with disinfectant
- Practice social distancing. Stay home as much as possible and away from crowds.
Furthermore, eating well, getting plenty of sleep, and staying active will all help. These are natural ways to boost your immunity. Even if compromised, you can do your part to help your body fight COVID-19!
If you need help reducing chronic muscle/ joint pain, call us today at 888-409-8006. We are here to help you through this! Locations conveniently throughout South Florida, including Boca Raton.