Man wearing a loose shirt and pajama bottoms (Credit: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels)
NEW YORK — Do aches and pains follow you everywhere you go? You’re not alone. Seven in 10 people say they experience pain or discomfort during everyday activities.
That’s according to a recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults, which found that nearly 70 percent of Americans wish they could replace one of their body parts with a new one that works better. Millennials are actually more likely to cite pain during daily activities than baby boomers (76% vs. 59%), indicating that working remotely over the past two years may be a contributing factor.
Regardless of age, nearly four in 10 people (38%) would opt for a new back. Nearly three-fifths add they’re “always” or “often” thinking about their pain more than what they’re doing at the moment.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of The Joint Chiropractic, the survey also found that 72 percent will reportedly dedicate this year to improving one specific aspect of their health. Maintaining an exercise regimen tops the list as the most popular goal, (34%), more so than revamping mental fitness (26%) and diet or nutrition (20%).
However, getting fit may be a challenge for nearly half of respondents, whose recurring pain prevents them from fully enjoying their fitness routine (49%), in addition to adversely affecting their personal time (47%) and social life (43%).
What’s the peak time for aches and pain?
For some, lunchtime may also present some difficulties, as one in five say their discomfort peaks between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. At the same time, more than half the poll (51%) say they’re “always” or “often” uncomfortable while sleeping.
Despite their setbacks, nearly nine in 10 feel confident in their ability to manage their pain. To relieve their aches, respondents turn to stretches or physical exercise (41%) and over-the-counter medication (39%).
However, seven in 10 admit they aren’t always disciplined enough to take better care of their health, despite having the time to do so.
“With limited time and competing priorities, it’s easy to get caught up in life’s daily routine and forget about one’s spine health and overall wellbeing,” says Dr. Steve Knauf, D.C. and Executive Director of Chiropractic & Compliance at The Joint Chiropractic, in a statement. “Routine chiropractic care can help manage everyday pain, reduce stress, increase joint health, and overall physical function caused by the many stressors of everyday life.”
Eighty-four percent will invest money into their health each month this year, with most prioritizing spending on diet or nutrition (53%), as well as mental and physical fitness (48% and 46% respectively). Two in five also plan to put their money toward taking control of their pain.
“As the results indicate, everyday pain is a barrier for many Americans living their best life,” Dr. Knauf adds. “Chiropractic care can help increase joint mobility, improve nervous system function and spinal health, therefore increasing one’s ability to perform more activities with greater ease in life.”
