Experiencing Common Aches and Pains in your 50s

The Pain of Getting Older

Are you getting older and noticing a few creaks and groans in your joints? The truth is that as we get older, the joints start showing signs of wear and tear. This can result in neck and back pain as well as knee and hip pain. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help alleviate aches and pains in your 50s so that you can continue to live your active life.

What are the common aches and pains during old age?

If you've noticed an increase in your aches and pains in your 50s, you're not alone. Many people start to notice an increase in joint and back pain as they age. You may even be developing osteoarthritis. Let's take a look at the common aches and pains most people have as they get older.

Arthritis or Osteoarthritis

As we get older, our joints start to show wear and tear. This may be referred to as arthritis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, which causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Back Pain

Back pain and discomfort are extremely common as we age. This could be due to weakened back muscles or excess weight in the stomach. It can also be caused by degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, herniated discs or sciatica.

Neck Pain

After the age of 50, you may have noticed an increase in your neck pain and stiffness. This can be caused by sprains and strains, poor posture, text neck, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs in your neck, pinched nerves or whiplash.

Shoulder Pain

If you're experiencing shoulder pain and loss of range of motion in your shoulder, it could be caused by bursitis, which is an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the shoulder. Pain in the shoulders can also be caused by tendinitis, a dislocation, a frozen shoulder, arthritis, or problems with your rotator cuff.

Hip Pain

The most common cause of hip pain after 50 is arthritis. However, hip pain can also be caused by tendinitis or bursitis.

Knee Pain

If you're experiencing knee pain, it could be due to carrying excess weight or due to a repetitive motion injury of the knee, like a runner's knee. Knee pain can also be caused by tendinitis, bursitis, and arthritis.

Foot Pain

If you're experiencing foot pain, the most common cause is plantar fasciitis. However, foot pain can also be caused by arthritis, tendinitis, and metatarsalgia, which causes pain in the ball of the foot.

Self-Care Tips to Relieve Pain

If you are experiencing an increase in aches and pains in your 50s, there are some things you can do at home to help alleviate your discomfort.

• Exercise – performing light exercises can help strengthen weak muscles so that they provide more support for your joints and back.

• Get a Massage – Getting regular massages can help eliminate tight and sore spots in your muscles.

• Practice Good Posture – Poor posture can put added stress on your body and increase your levels of pain.

• Take an Over-the-Counter Medication – Taking an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever can help reduce pain. There are other natural options as well such as proteolytic enzymes, omega-3s such as fish oil, or even joint complex supplementation. However, you should always read the directions before taking any medication and adhere to the recommended dosages. 

• Take Time to Stretch – Stretching can help loosen muscles and ligaments to improve flexibility and alleviate muscle pain.

• Try Hot and Cold Therapy – Alternative heat and cold can help reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.

• Try Some Relaxation Techniques – meditation and deep breathing can help lower your levels of stress and relax your muscles, which may provide some pain relief.

• Visit a Chiropractor – If the above tips don't provide you with enough pain relief, consider visiting a chiropractor. Chiropractors can determine the causes of your pain and recommend non-invasive treatment options to help reduce it.

How Can a Chiropractor Help You With Pain After 50?

When you can't find adequate pain relief after trying some self-care tips and taking over-the-counter medications, it may be time to visit a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained in various manual therapy techniques that are non-invasive. These techniques, including chiropractic adjustments, myofascial therapy, decompression, and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), can help your body heal while helping alleviate your pain.

Professional Chiropractic Treatment Near You

Our chiropractor, Dr. Stumpff, can help determine the causes of your pain and recommend a treatment program. He offers chiropractic care, myofascial therapy, IASTM, decompression, ultrasound therapy, kinesiotape, electric muscle stimulation, therapeutic cupping, rehabilitation, and compression therapy. These treatments can help provide you with short-term pain relief so that you can get back to living your active lifestyle as soon as possible.

Meet Dr. Stumpff

Dr. Stumpff is a board-certified, licensed chiropractor in Florida. He has a bachelor's degree in biological sciences and graduated from the Palmer College of Chiropractic Magna Cum Lauda with a chiropractic degree. He's also been awarded The Clinical Excellence Award from the Palmer College of Chiropractic. He's also been a member of several chiropractic clubs, including the Motion Palpation Club and the Applied Kinesiology Club. Dr. Stumpff is dedicated to chiropractic care and believes in its methods and modalities. After all, he was once a patient. During his youth, he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter Disease. This causes painful lumps under the kneecaps. Since Dr. Stumpff wanted to continue his active lifestyle, he sought out help from a local chiropractor. With help and care from that chiropractor, Dr. Stumpff was able to continue playing sports, and today, he is still an avid runner.

Summary/Conclusion

Dr. Stumpff is dedicated to helping you manage your pain during old age and remain active. If you're experiencing knee pain, back or neck pain, hip pain, or shoulder pain, Dr. Stumpff may be able to help you with chiropractic care.

To schedule a consultation, give us a call at 954-368-4054.