Pain conditions that seem to run in families
Doctors hear it all the time when they’re treating patients: "My dad always had back problems." Or 'my sister has fibromyalgia too."
Do these conditions actually run in families? Research seems to show that they can.
A King’s College London study of identical and nonidentical twins found that several conditions—includingirritable bowel syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, and pelvic pain—have a genetic component.
A separate study in Utah found that the risk of developing back pain from herniated or degenerating discs also seems to run in families.
Not only that, it appears that genetics may also affect how intensely people perceive chronic pain.
Researchers studying patients with chronic pain found that those who ranked their pain the highest were 25% more likely to have a gene variant called DRD2 than those who ranked their pain as moderate. Those who ranked their pain the lowest were 33% more likely than the high pain group to have a gene variant called DRD1.
Does that mean you’re doomed to suffer if your dad had chronic back pain or your mom had migraines? Not necessarily. You receive genetic material from both parents, so you may not have inherited the genetic variants that make you more likely to hurt.
And genes aren’t the only factor involved. There are also other components that go into whether you’re likely to develop chronic pain conditions. For instance, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and staying active lessen your chances of developing back injuries that can cause pain. Staying healthy and active can also help you cope with pain if it does develop.
There may be additional hope in the future too because identifying genes involved in pain may help researchers as they try to develop more effective treatment.
Meanwhile, if you need support dealing with chronic pain, we can help.
Tulsa Pain is a pain management practice in Oklahoma that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. We are dedicated to helping those who are suffering find the relief they deserve. Our team uses a balanced approach by incorporating minimally invasive, outpatient procedures, complementary and alternative medicine, and medication to help patients take control of their pain. Call 918-742-7030 or Request An Appointment to meet with one of our talented pain management specialists today!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
