Chronic pain can be more dangerous than previously thought, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Division of Primary Care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have found that people with chronic pain have greater chances of suffering a fall.

Suzanne Leveille, PhD, RN, who conducted the research while a member of the Division of Primary Care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), said: "It's clear that pain is not just a normal part of aging and that pain is often undertreated in older adults.

"Our findings showed that older adults who reported chronic musculoskeletal pain in two or more locations - mainly in the joints of the arms and legs - as well as individuals who reported more severe pain or pain that interfered with daily activities were more likely to experience a fall than other individuals."

Data gathered as part of MOBILIZE Boston (Maintenance of Balance, Independent Living, Intellect and Zest in the Elderly), was read as part of the study.

The data included interviews of 749 adults over the age of 70 between September 2005 and January 2008.

The details of their health conditions were recorded too.