It is difficult to say definitively whether chronic pain is increasing or not. However, there are some indications that suggest that it may be on the rise.
Firstly, the global population is aging, and chronic pain is more prevalent among older adults. As the proportion of older adults in the population increases, it is likely that the overall prevalence of chronic pain will also increase.
Secondly, there has been a significant increase in the number of people being prescribed opioid painkillers in recent years. While opioids can be effective for managing chronic pain, they are also highly addictive and can lead to long-term dependency. This increase in opioid use has been linked to a rise in opioid-related deaths and addiction.
Finally, there is evidence to suggest that chronic pain may be increasing as a result of changes in lifestyle factors such as increased sedentary behavior, poor diet, and stress. These factors can contribute to conditions such as obesity, which are associated with chronic pain.
Overall, while it is difficult to say with certainty whether chronic pain is increasing, there are several factors that suggest that it may be on the rise.
