Presence of Family May Lessen Pain

Interim Healthcare—September 17, 2014

Having family members around may provide yet another benefit for aging or ill loved ones- a recent study suggests that patients with strong social ties experience less pain than peers with fewer people to keep them company.

The Ties that Bind

Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery set out to examine the relationship between post-surgery pain and social isolation following a number of studies that had already pointed to a potential correlation between the two.

"Previous studies have shown that social isolation is a risk factor for poor health outcomes," said Lisa Mandl, M.D., rheumatologist at HSS and co-author of the study. "Studies show that people who don't have good social ties are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, and even dying, compared to those who enjoy the social support of family, friends and the community."

Read the full article on interimhealthcare.com.