We all have them. Adults begin noticing aches and pains in their mid-to-late 40’s. We worked through them then, but now, at double that age, we know that they are here to stay.
We learned to grin and bear it over the years, but it gets harder and harder as time goes by. Experts tell us to “use it or lose it,” which makes sense I suppose, but it is hard when just rolling over in bed takes effort. Some folks opt for frequent doctor appointments, medications, physical therapy and massages, but others are eager to wing it on their own.
At first it was just an odd achy sensation between the shoulders, but as time went by you may have noticed that your head, neck, and shoulders felt incredibly heavy. Just standing up straight took a conscious effort. The reasons may be varied, but you need to know that it isn’t just fatigue weighing you down.
The slouch is a warning sign. Yah, slouching, the word mom used back when she made us walk around with a book on our heads. She knew the importance of good posture way before it was a “thing.”
Back pain seems to be a given when you reach a certain age, as is generalized stiffness and joint pain. It may get to the point where it interferes with your activities of daily living.
Your doctor, after doing a zillion tests, will tell you that you need to exercise and stretch those stiffened muscles in order to increase flexibility and reduce pain.
Your job will be to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, wear comfortable low-heeled shoes, and proceed with caution. This requires considerable work on your part, but the results can be quite satisfying.
Alternate treatments like yoga and other stretching exercises are worth a shot. Aches and pains are here to stay, but you needn’t just grin and bear it. Talk to your doctor, accept a physical therapy referral, and take their advice. Before trying to medicate all your pains away, find out what you can do, and then Do It! Do it forever….
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