Men’s Health Month: Why “Toughing It Out” Could Be Making Pain Worse
6/2/2026
For many men, pain is something to push through, ignore, or simply live with. Whether it’s lingering back pain, joint discomfort, nerve pain, or recurring headaches, many men delay seeking medical care, often waiting until symptoms begin interfering with work, sleep, relationships, or everyday activities.
During Men’s Health Month, DeTar Healthcare System is encouraging men across the Crossroads to take chronic pain seriously and seek help before it impacts their quality of life.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 51 million U.S. adults experience chronic pain, defined as pain lasting three months or longer. Chronic pain remains one of the leading reasons adults seek medical care and can significantly affect physical health, emotional well-being, and daily functioning. Additionally, national health data shows men are less likely than women to seek preventive healthcare services or visit a physician regularly, often delaying care until symptoms become severe.
“Many men have been conditioned to believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, especially when it comes to pain,” said Dr. Parks, pain management specialist with DeTar Medical Group. “The reality is that persistent pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Ignoring it rarely makes it go away, and in many cases, delaying treatment can allow the condition to worsen.”
Men often cope with pain by modifying activities, working through discomfort, self-medicating with over-the-counter medications, or simply accepting pain as a normal part of aging. However, experts say chronic pain should never be considered inevitable.
Common pain conditions affecting men include:
- Low back and neck pain
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Nerve pain and neuropathy
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Pain related to previous injuries or surgeries
Research has also shown a strong connection between chronic pain and mental health. Persistent pain can contribute to stress, anxiety, irritability, depression, sleep disturbances, and social isolation, creating a cycle that can make symptoms even more difficult to manage.
“Pain affects much more than a single part of the body,” Dr. Parks said. “When pain begins limiting your ability to work, exercise, enjoy hobbies, or spend time with family, it can impact nearly every aspect of your life. That’s why early intervention is so important.”
While some acute pain improves with time and conservative treatment, certain symptoms may signal the need for evaluation by a pain management specialist.
Men should consider seeking specialized care if:
- Pain lasts longer than three months
- Pain interferes with work, sleep, or daily activities
- Over-the-counter medications no longer provide relief
- Pain is becoming more frequent or severe
- Symptoms include numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of function
- Pain persists after surgery, injury, or rehabilitation
Today’s pain management options extend far beyond opioid medications. Depending on the cause of pain, treatment plans may include minimally invasive procedures, nerve blocks, targeted injections, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, regenerative approaches, and other evidence-based therapies designed to improve function and reduce discomfort.
“The goal of pain management is not simply masking symptoms,” said Dr. Parks. “It’s identifying the source of pain and developing a personalized treatment plan that helps patients regain function, improve mobility, and get back to the activities they enjoy.”
This Men’s Health Month, DeTar encourages men to listen to their bodies and prioritize their health. Pain may be common, but living with chronic pain doesn’t have to be.
To learn more about pain management services or schedule an appointment with Dr. Parks, visit mydetardoctor.com.
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