Lower Back Pain
It’s the most common type of chronic pain. If you’re under 50 and haven’t had a back injury, your back pain is likely the result of sitting for long stretches. That puts too much pressure on the discs in your back. Older adults, on the other hand, are more likely to have back pain from conditions like arthritis.
It's most likely to strike: During your 30s and 40s, but it can happen at any age.
Ease the ache: Strength-training and cardio exercise are both helpful. They increase blood flow, and help you build your core muscles, which support your spine. And that reduces pressure. Start slow and see a pro if you’re not sure what exercises to do.
Physical therapy is another option. Your therapist can show you exercises that may help you move better and relieve pain. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may also help, though you shouldn’t use them for more than a few days without your doctor's OK.
Headaches
Regular ones and migraines -- a type of headache that may cause other symptoms, like nausea -- are the second most common type of chronic pain. Experts aren’t sure exactly what causes them, but they can be triggered by things like muscle tension, dehydration, your period, stress, weather changes, and certain foods, like chocolate.
Most likely to strike: Between your 20s and 50s.
Ease the ache: If your headache is just in your forehead and temple area, it could be a tension headache. It might help to massage the area that hurts or apply menthol cream on your forehead or the base of your neck. Pain meds like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or a medicine especially for migraines that contains caffeine, acetaminophen, or aspirin, can offer relief --but don’t take it for more than 3 days without talking to your doctor. Your doctor might also recommend prescription migraine medicine.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
This common condition happens when the protective cartilage between your joint and bone breaks down, causing pain in those joints, like hands, knees, and hips. Osteoarthritis is often the result of age-related changes, or an injury or wear-and-tear from a sport or another activity.
Most likely to strike: During your 60s and 70s. Thirty-three percent of adults over age 60 have OA.
Ease the ache: Staying physically active is key. It keeps blood circulating, which can keep your joints healthy and reduce pain. And it strengthens the muscles around the joint, taking pressure off the joint and bone. If you're new to exercise or have severe arthritis, talk to your doctor first. Another treatment option? Some people find relief by applying heat when their joints are stiff, and ice when they're swollen. Talk to your doctor.
Non-arthritis joint pain
Pain that feels like it’s in or around the joints -- and that isn’t the result of OA -- is usually tendinitis. That’s an inflammation of the tendon, which is a band of tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. With arthritis, it’s usually tough or painful to get moving. With tendinitis, the more you move, the more pain you have. It’s often caused by activities that involve repetitive motion, like golfing and shoveling.
Most likely to strike: Over age 40. As you get older, your tendons become less elastic and are more prone to injury.
Ease the ache: Use RICE, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Take a break from activities that aggravate your joint. Put an ice pack on the sore area. Wrap it in a bandage, and prop up the area (for example, put your leg on a pillow or two if your knee hurts). Take an NSAID -- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, like ibuprofen or naproxen -- to ease inflammation. Talk to your doctor if you're not improving after a week.
Pelvic pain
One in seven women between the ages of 18 and 50 gets chronic pelvic pain. It can feel sharp or like a dull ache. It's pain that's not caused by your period. It may be the result of another condition, like endometriosis or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
Most likely to strike: Between the ages of 18 and 50.
Ease the ache: Over-the-counter pain medicines can help. But call your doctor if you have below-the-belt pain that lasts more than a few days. Don’t wait until it gets unbearable. The treatment you need depends on the cause of your pelvic pain. It may include physical therapy, and prescription painkillers, or muscle relaxing medicine.
Carpal tunnel
This condition happens when a nerve that runs from your arm to your palm becomes pressed or squeezed. It causes pain in your fingers and wrist, and numbness or tingling, too. It’s often caused by repetitive motion (for example, from typing or using machinery). But other things, like a family history of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and menopause-related hormone changes, also up your odds of getting it.
Most likely to strike: During your mid-40s to mid-60s.
Ease the ache: Talk to your doctor if you think have this condition. He may suggest exercise, occupational and physical therapy, and short-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers. But in some cases, surgery is the best way to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
Muscle strain or pain
As you begin to age, your muscle fibers become less dense, which makes them less flexible and more prone to injury and soreness. That can raise the odds of having soreness after activities you used to do with no problem, like gardening or exercise.
Most likely to strike: You’re more likely to get a muscle strain with every passing decade.
Ease the ache: The best thing you can do is to try to avoid hurting yourself in the first place. Don’t lift, push, or pull heavy items without help. Stretching and exercises like yoga and Pilates can help keep your muscles long and limber, and can help when you’re feeling sore, too. If your muscles are hurting, try RICE therapy and over-the-counter pain medicine. See your doctor if you're in a lot of pain.
