Patient Information Resources


Long Island Spine Specialists, P.C.
763 Larkfield Road
2nd Floor
Commack, NY 11725
Ph: (631) 462-2225
Fax: (631) 462-2240






Child Orthopedics
General
Pain Management
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic

« Back

I am a checker at a grocery store. I seem to make more mistakes than other checkers while ringing up items. I do have a problem with chronic headaches and neck pain. Are my mistakes from the pain or a lack of concentration?

Maybe both. It's been shown that people in pain are distracted by the pain. The mind and body have a limited number of resources to complete each daily task. Pain is a stressor that automatically takes a certain amount of your energy and concentration.

A recent study of chronic pain patients showed that pain does have an effect on your ability to process mental tasks. With some part of your focus on the pain (even if it's subconscious), there's less attention available for tasks you must do at the same time.

Chronic pain patients tend to react quicker during tasks. This is true whether the task is easy or hard. It could account for the number of mistakes you are making even though you are doing a simple, but repetitive task.

It's not clear if slowing down and concentrating more would make a difference. Knowing there's a link between your pain levels and the number of errors you make may help remind you to slow down. See if it makes a difference. If you haven't explored all options for pain relief, further treatment may be helpful for you.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.