What is the impact of chronic pain on structural health?

Chronic pain significantly impacts structural health by creating compensatory movement patterns. When an individual experiences persistent pain, they often adjust their posture and movement to avoid pain, leading to altered biomechanics. This alteration can result in uneven stress on the musculoskeletal system, potentially causing secondary issues in other areas of the body, such as joint dysfunction or muscle imbalances.

For instance, someone with lower back pain may begin to favor one side of their body, resulting in tightness or weakness in the muscles on that side while overworking others. Over time, these compensatory patterns can lead to further pain, discomfort, and structural abnormalities in the body. Therefore, understanding and addressing these compensatory movements is essential in managing chronic pain and maintaining overall structural health.