What are the most common pains and what you can do – an overview
Pain is a ubiquitous problem in Germany, affecting millions of people and causing significant costs for the healthcare system. This article provides a detailed overview of the most common types of pain, their causes and effects, as well as practical tips for dealing with chronic pain.
Headaches: The most common type of pain
In Germany, people most often suffer from headaches, followed by back and joint pain. The reasons for headaches can be varied and range from stress and lack of sleep to poor posture and serious health problems such as migraines. Around 350,000 people suffer migraine attacks every day, which leads to a significant impairment of quality of life. Women often report that they experience pain more intensely than men because their pain sensors are more finely tuned. Despite these differences, women's pain is often underestimated.
Chronic Pain: A Long-Term Burden
If acute pain lasts longer than three months, it is referred to as chronic pain. This form of pain affects more than 12 million Germans and is often caused by diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Back pain and joint pain are among the most common types of chronic pain. Social factors such as work-related or family stress can contribute to chronicity.
Painkillers: An Overview of Common Medications
Morphine, a natural painkiller derived from the opium poppy, is one of the most powerful pain relievers. It is often used for severe and chronic pain, although it has significant side effects and is highly addictive. In addition to morphine, there are a variety of other painkillers that are commonly used:
- Paracetamol : Commonly used for mild to moderate pain and fever. It is often prescribed as a first choice for headaches and back pain.
- Ibuprofen : A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat pain and inflammation. It is particularly effective for muscle and joint pain.
- Diclofenac : Also an NSAID used for inflammation and pain, especially arthritis.
- Tramadol : An opioid painkiller used for moderate to severe pain and is less addictive than morphine.
Statistics show that millions of prescriptions for these painkillers are issued every year. For example, in 2019, around 22 million packs of paracetamol and 28 million packs of ibuprofen were sold in Germany.
sleep disorders and pain
Up to 80% of all patients with chronic pain also suffer from severe sleep disorders. This shows how closely pain and sleep are linked and how important holistic treatment is. Lack of sleep can increase sensitivity to pain, leading to a vicious circle of pain and sleep problems.
The economic costs of pain
Chronic pain causes an estimated annual cost of 38 billion euros in Germany. These costs arise from direct medical expenses and indirect costs such as work absences and reduced productivity. For comparison: total federal spending on education and research in 2020 was around 21 billion euros. This illustrates the enormous economic burden that chronic pain causes.
Practical tips for everyday life
Here are some practical tips to help you better manage chronic pain:
- Regular exercise : Light physical activity such as walking or swimming can help relieve pain and improve mobility.
- Relaxation techniques : Methods such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercises can reduce stress and help manage pain.
- Healthy diet : A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
- Sleep hygiene : Practice good sleep hygiene by maintaining regular bedtimes and making your bedroom a quiet, dark place.
- Pain diary : Keep a diary to document your pain. This can help you identify patterns and evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments.
Conclusion: What you can take away for yourself
Pain is a complex and multifaceted problem that requires holistic treatment. You can do a lot to relieve your pain through regular exercise, relaxation techniques, a healthy diet and good sleep hygiene. If you suffer from chronic pain, do not hesitate to seek professional help and develop a suitable treatment strategy together with your doctor.
