Pain is a complex perception that differs greatly among individual patients. It's widely believed that pain affects men and women differently. Pain is the number one complaint of older Americans. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 1 in 5 older Americans takes a painkiller regularly.

• The Facts of Painkillers
• When Are Painkillers Appropriate for Arthritis?
• Do Arthritis Patients Vary in Pain Perception?

Over 46 million American adults suffer from arthritis and other related conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. These conditions are characterized by joint pain in the extremities. Many other conditions cause pain in the body's soft tissues, including fibromyalgia, tendonitis, and bursitis.

• Early Arthritis Symptoms
• 10 Things You Should Know About Arthritis
• Arthritis Comprises Over 100 Diseases and Conditions

Arthritis pain can interfere with activities of daily living. It is important to manage pain and minimize its negative impact. Do you take actions which control your pain or do some of your habits and routines actually increase your pain level? Whether pain is acute or chronic, there are sure ways to increase your pain - contrary to the desired effect of reducing pain. Read more in 10 Ways to Increase Your Pain.

More Related Resources:

• Guide to Arthritis Pain
• The Pain Relief Quiz
• Ways to Manage Your Pain
• The Pain Quiz: Acute vs. Chronic Pain
• Big Purses: Convenience May Cause Future Pain
• Ice vs. Heat: Which is More Effective for Arthritis Pain?

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