What is a common effect of chronic pain on mobility?

Chronic pain significantly impacts an individual’s ability to engage in physical activities, often leading to decreased activity levels. When someone experiences persistent pain, they may avoid movements or activities that they associate with discomfort, leading to a reduction in overall mobility. This avoidance can contribute to a cycle where decreased physical activity may further result in muscular weakness, stiffness, and reduced endurance, ultimately exacerbating the challenges associated with mobility.

In contrast, factors such as improved joint flexibility, increased physical activity, or heightened mobility confidence are typically not associated with chronic pain; rather, those are often outcomes of effective pain management or rehabilitation efforts. Therefore, decreased activity levels accurately reflect the common effect of chronic pain on mobility, highlighting the restrictive nature of ongoing discomfort.