Is Chronic Pain Hereditary?

Chronic pain is, and always has been, a complex condition. But while it can often be difficult to diagnose at the individual level, we have a pretty good overall idea as to what causes chronic pain. Usually, chronic pain is the result of an injury or chronic illness.

But why do some people develop chronic pain conditions, or experience chronic pain after an injury, while others don’t? Environmental factors, such as poor nutrition, obesity, exposure to smoke and other chemicals, etc., certainly can play a significant role.

But what about heredity? Could chronic pain be hiding in our genes? Let’s investigate!

Is chronic pain hereditary?

Heredity is the natural process by which traits are passed from parents to their offspring. These traits are determined by a person’s DNA, which is a molecule that contains a person’s genetic code, commonly referred to as their genes.

Unfortunately, heredity does not play favorites and does not pass along only desirable genetic traits. Just as a child may end up with the same eye color, ear shape, or bone structure as their parents, they can also inherit less desirable traits, such as chronic illness.

So, is chronic pain a condition that can be carried in your genes? The answer is “a little bit of yes and a little bit of no.” On one hand, no, there is no single gene that can be passed down that will result in chronic pain. So that is good news.

On the other hand, yes, there are a variety of genetic factors that can significantly increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain. Research has shown that people are much more likely to develop chronic pain conditions if they have a close family member with the same condition. Where it gets complicated is the role environmental factors can play.

Genetics or environment?

Let’s offer an example. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that has shown to be more likely to develop when a genetic link is involved. However, it can also be caused by traumatic physical or emotional events or repetitive injury. So, then the question becomes, “was is genetics or trauma that triggered the condition”?

The likely answer remains, “a little of both.” While having a family member with fibromyalgia does not guarantee you will get it too, experts believe that a genetic link can significantly increase your risk of developing it if you experience a traumatic injury.

A recent research study in the U.K. supports this theory. The study examined the medical history of 8,000 sets of twins and found that hereditary factors may have accounted for two-
thirds of the chances that chronic pain could develop.

But this is no reason to get anxious. There is still a lot of research to be performed on this topic and there are no conclusive findings yet. Additionally, those environmental factors we mentioned earlier still play a large role and that is a proven fact.

Epigenetics

A study published in 2023 delves deeper into the direct role environment can play in the genetics of chronic pain. Epigenetics is the name of this field of study, and it suggests that the environment and an individual’s health also influence genetic expression as it relates to chronic pain.

To help illustrate this idea, that study goes on to say: “A common metaphor that can be used to explain the relevance of epigenetics is to consider people’s genetic structure as a full set of piano keys, with epigenetics being the mechanism determining which keys are being played.”

For example, a positive environmental factor like regular physical activity has shown to weaken the influence genetics can have on chronic pain onset or overall pain sensitivity. On the other hand, a negative factor like intense emotional stress has been shown to amplify those genetic influences.

In short, properly managing these environmental factors, by eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting good sleep, and managing stress, continues to be exceedingly important in managing or preventing chronic pain.

Genetic Chronic Pain and Pain Management Possibilities

There is another silver lining to all this. By better understanding the genetic side of chronic pain, healthcare providers may be able to improve care strategies.

The concept of personalized medicine considers an individual’s genetic makeup when determining the appropriate treatment. By identifying specific genetic factors related to chronic pain, providers can create more personalized pain management plans.

This insight into the genetic aspect of chronic pain brings a sense of empowerment to patients. It signals a potential shift from generic, “cookie cutter” approaches to more personalized, precision medicine. By understanding their genetic predispositions, patients can collaborate with their healthcare providers to explore customized pain management interventions, increasing the chances of successful outcomes.

The Verdict

In conclusion, while the causes and consequences of chronic pain include a complex combination of factors, genetics certainly seems to play a crucial role in the development and sensation of pain. Ongoing research in this field continues to uncover important data and valuable insights that may offer more concrete answers.

But even now, as we learn and make new breakthroughs, we are knocking at the door of an innovative new approach to providing effective and personalized pain management solutions that could improve lives for millions of pain patients around the world.

The contents of this article are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before engaging in any action or decision-making based on the content of this article. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of the content of this article or any other content on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website. Reliance on any information conveyed on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website without direct consultation with a healthcare professional is solely at your own risk.

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