Chronic pain and exercise.
EXERCISE HARDER IF YOU WANT TO fight off the pain associated with aging. That’s our takeaway lesson today. We often experience chronic pain in our muscles, bones, and joints with age.
A new study suggests that only high levels of physical activity, at least once weekly, can help you dodge chronic pain in the muscles or bones. Let’s look at how you can run, swim, or garden your way to long-term success.
Chronic pain (lasting at least three months) is a major societal problem associated with work absenteeism and hospital emergency department visits. The new research is the first to examine chronic pain in the context of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and net worth over a long time.
Pain and activity among older adults
Researchers at the University of Portsmouth (United Kingdom) looked at data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, comprising 5802 individuals residing in England aged 50 or older.
Subjects self-reported their physical activity levels and whether they experienced bone, joint, or muscle pain. Nearly half reported suffering from such discomfort over the ten-year follow-up time.
Study results
Only high activity levels at least once weekly — running, swimming, gardening, tennis, or occupational, physical labor — warded off chronic pain.
While all activity proved helpful in alleviating pain, over time, only high levels of physical activity appeared associated with a lower risk of musculoskeletal pain.
This result resonates with me, as I have hip pain. Getting out and walking provides relief.
Learn more about chronic pain and exercise here:
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