Is Pain Slowing You Down As You Age?

By Sara Poldmae, LAc

Meadow Hill Wellness

. https://www.meadowhillwellness.com/

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Is Pain Slowing You Down As You Age?

Many of my patients complain that as they age their joints begin to ache, their energy has declined and they simply don't feel as “good” as when they were younger. As arthritis kicks in, it can affect your ability to move comfortable and can significantly impact your quality of life. Often, these pains of aging can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

Aging may be inevitable, but your later years can be vibrant and healthy if attention is given to supporting your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Exercise

The old saying is true if you don't use it you will lose it! Exercise keeps our bodies and minds in good shape.

Regular exercise slows the loss of muscle mass, strengthens bones, and reduces joint and muscle pain.

The key is to find something that you enjoy doing and do it regularly. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and weight lifting can stimulate bone growth and make your bones healthier.

Eat Good Foods and Maintain a Healthy Weight

Eating well is critical for healthy aging. A diet high in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will help you get the nutrients you need. Avoiding refined foods and sugars can help prevent pain-causing inflammation and excess weight.

Extra weight is hard on our joints, causing pain in our joints, especially your knees and back.

Pay Attention to Minor Aches and Pains

These symptoms can often be important signs that something is wrong with your body. By relieving inflammation when it first appears and keeping our joints loose and bones strong, you can prevent small problems from turning into big problems. Our bodies deserve tune-ups to keep running properly.

Acupuncture treatments can help alleviate chronic pain like joint aches, arthritis and muscle strain.

Alleviate and Manage Stress Levels

Stress is a normal part of life, but if left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems. Stress also makes pain more difficult to manage. We were not designed to live with a constant stress that keeps us feeling overwhelmed. Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, massage and acupuncture can help you enjoy a more peaceful, and pain-free life.

Get Good Sleep

Your body repairs itself best at night so allow plenty of time for restorative sleep. Begin a bedtime routine that encourages restful sleep, blocking out any potential disturbances. Acupuncture and meditation can be successful in treating a wide array of sleep problems by focusing on the root of any disharmony in the body.

Start with these basics and you can avoid some of the aches and pains that start to creep in as we reach mid-life.