Common Aches and Pains That Happen with Age

As the years pass, many people begin to experience discomfort in their joints, muscles, or back. But the good news is, you don’t have to “live with it.”

Our pain management and regenerative medicine specialists at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists (IPRMS) in Arlington, Virginia, offer targeted relief and innovative treatments to help you move and feel better, no matter your age.

Here’s a closer look at common age-related aches and pains and how expert care can make a world of difference.

Joint pain 

Age-related joint issues often include stiffness, swelling, and aching, particularly in hard-working joints like the knees, hips, spine, or hands.

As we age, the cartilage that cushions our joints naturally wears down, which can lead to osteoarthritis. Inflammation may also play a role, particularly in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Our pain management physicians may recommend various treatments to help repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and alleviate joint pain.

Your strategy may include:

• Oral medications
• Targeted injections (like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid)
• Physical therapy
• Regenerative medicine options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy

Our team also provides guidance on nutrition, exercise, and other therapies that help protect your joints at any age.

Back and neck pain

A nagging ache or sharp pain, often triggered by movement or poor posture, may indicate age-related changes in your spine. This could include degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, or herniated discs, leading to chronic back pain or neck discomfort.

Based on evaluation results, your IPRMS provider may recommend:

• Nerve blocks or epidural steroid injections
• Regenerative treatments to encourage disc and joint healing
• Physical therapy for posture correction and exercises to support your spine
• Spinal cord stimulation

Treatment strategies are tailored to meet your specific needs and circumstances.

Rotator cuff injuries

Rotator cuff injuries can occur suddenly and are a common type of sports injury. However, wear-and-tear associated with aging can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis or tears, especially if you’ve performed repetitive motions over the years.

Symptoms include reduced shoulder mobility, pain, and stiffness when lifting the arm or reaching. Shoulder pain when sleeping on your side is also a common occurrence.

Treatment options include regenerative therapies with ultrasound-guided injections to stimulate tissue repair, activity modification, and customized physical therapy to restore strength and preserve range of motion.

Nerve pain (neuropathy or sciatica)

Burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in your hands, feet, or down your legs are common signs of irritated or damaged nerves. Conditions like diabetes, spinal issues, or simply aging nerves can contribute to nerve pain.

We can help with nerve blocks, electrical stimulation therapies, or regenerative treatments to improve nerve health.

Benefits of seeing a pain management and regenerative medicine specialist

Our team offers minimally invasive treatments that relieve your pain. We also dig deeper to find the source of your discomfort and use cutting-edge therapies and nonsurgical techniques to:

• Reduce or eliminate chronic pain
• Promote natural healing
• Improve function and quality of life
• Help you remain active and independent as you age

Schedule a visit to IPRMS today for relief from aches and pains that are affecting your daily life. Call the office or request an appointment online.