The Connection Between Chronic Pain and Falls
Millions of people around the country live in chronic pain. Millions of people over the age of 60 also experience falls frequently, which can have a devastating impact on their health and longevity. This makes one wonder if there is a connection between the two, with chronic pain leading to people
experiencing more falls. This is precisely what researchers set out to evaluate, publishing their findings in the October 2025 issue of the European Journal of Medical Research (1).
The study, which focused on 143 community-dwelling adults aged 60 and above, evaluated their pain levels, whether they had fallen, frailty, and their perception of their own health. The participants’ pain levels were assessed and evaluated, with each classified as having no pain, mild pain, or moderate
pain. They also assessed a variety of demographic data, including sarcopenia, nutrition, cognition, fear of falling, perceived health, handgrip strength, and gait speed. They also timed the people on their sit-to-stand and timed-up-and-go.
They found that 37% of the participants had chronic pain, and their research shows that moderate pain was associated with higher odds of future falls, compared to those without pain. They also found that those who had moderate pain also had more sarcopenia, slower gait speed, poorer physical
performance, and longer up-and-go times. Plus, those who had moderate pain tended to think of themselves as being less healthy.
Knowing that those who experience moderate chronic pain are at a higher fall risk is essential information that can help those providing pain management to take precautions. There are things that can be done to help prevent falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls among those aged 65 and up account for around 41,000 deaths per year. They also lead to over 300,000 hip fractures annually (3), which they report are one of the most serious fall injuries.
Once an older person breaks their hip, many are unable to continue living on their own. The CDC reports that simple actions can help prevent falls. These include being screened for osteoporosis and being treated if needed, doing leg exercises to make them stronger and improve balance (i.e., yoga, Tai Chi), having the eyes checked once a year, removing trip hazards, using grab
bars where necessary, adding railings to both sides of stairways, and installing more lighting in dark areas. Some older people may also benefit from using a cane or walker to help add stability and balance.
Sources:
1. European Journal of Medical Research. Association between chronic pain severity, falls, frailty, and perceived health in older adults at risk of falls. October 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41174709/
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older Adult Fall Prevention. September 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/pdf/CDC-DIP_At-a-Glance_Falls_508.pdf
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing Falls and Hip Fractures. May 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/prevention/index.html
