Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect, either alone or combined with other types of childhood trauma, increases the risk of chronic pain and related disability in adulthood, according to a new research. The new findings underscore the urgency of addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) -- potentially traumatic events that occur before 18 years of age -- and taking steps to mitigate their long-term impact on people`s health.

ACEs may affect a child or teenager directly through physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or neglect -- or indirectly through exposure to environmental factors like domestic violence, living with substance abuse or parental loss. Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Long-term painful conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, headache and migraine, can affect a person`s daily functioning to the point they can`t work, eat properly, or participate in physical activities.