Managing aches and pains

Pain is a signal from the body that something isn’t right. It’s a common health problem that can affect anyone, but it’s complex and not always easy to treat.

          What is pain?

Pain is a common health problem, affecting more than 20% of adults in the U.S.¹ Pain becomes more common as people grow older and it may be caused by a variety of factors. It may result from a disease or an injury, a medical treatment (e.g. a surgery), inflammation or a problem in the nervous system.² In some cases, the cause for pain may be unknown.

Pain can affect a person’s quality of life and it may cause other problems, such as difficulty moving around, trouble sleeping, depression, and anxiety.²

The presence of pain often means that something is wrong, but it’s not a simple health condition. It can be classified in different ways, depending on what causes it and how long it lasts.

There are two main types of pain:

• Acute pain. This type of pain is usually sharp. It comes on suddenly and has a specific cause, such as surgery, a broken bone, a burn or a cut. Acute pain usually does not last longer than six months and it goes away when there is no longer an underlying cause.³
• Chronic pain. This type of pain is ongoing and usually lasts longer than six months. It may continue after the injury or illness that caused it has gone away. Chronic pain is linked to headaches, arthritis, cancer, back pain and fibromyalgia.³

Tips for managing aches and pains

Read below to learn about some of the different types of treatments for aches and pains.

Medications to treat pain

In some cases, a doctor may recommend medications – prescriptions and over-the-counter – to help reduce pain.

Common types of pain medications include:

• Acetaminophen is usually recommended as a first line of treatment for mild to moderate pain. It may be used to help manage headaches, arthritis and back pain.⁴
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are most effective for mild to moderate pain accompanied by swelling and inflammation.⁴
• Opioids are used to treat moderate to severe pain by “turning down the volume” on pain signals. They should be used as a last resort because of their addictive qualities.⁴

Note: Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking pain medications. If your healthcare provider prescribes medication, take it as prescribed.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques help produce the body’s natural relaxation response. Essentially, these techniques help shift the brain’s focus away from the pain a person is experiencing.²

Examples of relaxation techniques include:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Guided imagery
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga and tai chi

Acupuncture and acupressure

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to help relieve pain and restore health. It may help relieve headaches, neck and low-back pain, and symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia.² Scientists are still trying to determine how it works, but it may release endorphins and affect the part of the brain that controls serotonin.⁵

Acupressure is the act of applying pressure to certain places on the body to relieve pain.

Physical therapy

A physical therapist may be able to help determine what is causing pain and what can be done to manage it.⁶

Physical therapy may involve a variety of pain management methods, including:

• Massage and other manual therapies using hands or tools
• Manipulation of bones and joints
• Movements and exercises
• Laser therapy

Electrical nerve stimulation

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electricity to help reduce pain. It involves placing small electrodes on the skin; the electrodes are attached to a machine that sends tiny electrical impulses to the painful area of the body.

It may work because the electrical impulses interrupt messages about pain sent from the nerves to the brain. TENS may also encourage the body to release more endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.⁷

More tips to reduce pain

Lifestyle habits play a big role in managing pain. In fact, there are several small changes that can help reduce pain.

Here are some healthy lifestyle strategies for managing pain:

• Maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight (if needed) can take pressure off joints and muscles, which may help prevent or relieve pain.
• Stay active. Aerobic exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that act as natural painkillers for the body.
• Get plenty of sleep. The body repairs itself during sleep. Plus, sleep helps people cope with pain by boosting energy levels and mood.

Note: Talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet and/or exercise routine.

Work with your healthcare provider

If pain worsens or it impacts a person’s daily life, it is time to seek help from a healthcare provider.

A healthcare provider may need to know:

• The history of a person’s pain, including when and how it started
• The level of pain, on a scale of 0–10
• How the pain interferes with a person’s ability to function
• Treatments that have worked or not worked
• Interested in learning more? Visit www.HumanaNeighborhoodCenter.com to register for live and on-demand health education classes.

This is for informational purposes only and does not replace treatment or advice from a healthcare professional. If you have questions, please talk with your doctor. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program or making any changes to your diet.

Sources

1. “Chronic Pain Among Adults — United States, 2019–2021,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed May 22, 2025, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7215a1.htm.
2. “Defining the Prevalence of Chronic Pain in the United States”, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, last accessed May 22, 2025, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/research/research-results/defining-the-prevalence-of-chronic-pain-in-the-united-states. 
3. “Acute vs. Chronic Pain,” Cleveland Clinic, last accessed May 22, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/12051-acute-vs-chronic-pain. 
4. “Chronic pain: Medication decisions,” Mayo Clinic, last accessed May 22, 2025, https://www.mayoclinic.org/chronic-pain-medication-decisions/art-20360371. 
5. “Relieving pain with acupuncture,” Harvard Health, last accessed May 22, 2025, https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/relieving-pain-with-acupuncture.  
6. “Physical Therapy to Help Chronic Pain,” Everyday Health, last accessed May 22, 2025, https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/physical-activity-and-therapy.aspx.
7. “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)”, Everyday Health, last accessed May 22, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15840-transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens.