When Aches and Pains Make You Twist and Shout

You wonder how Mick Jagger can still strut his stuff without dislocating a hip.

And you pay close attention when Dick Clark — the man who taught you how to do the Monkey, the Mashed Potatoes and the Swim — talks about the virtues of joint cream.

Times have changed. And so has the way your body feels. You can still get around; but some days, your sore back wakes up before you do, and your knees creak louder than the stairs.

Your joints and muscles have served you well for years. Now, they may be asking for a little TLC.

According to D. Kelly Agnew, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Tri Rivers Surgical Associates, it is perfectly normal for baby boomers to experience aches and pains.

"Most of the time, the aches and pains we feel are the result of normal wear and tear," Dr. Agnew said. "This is something that everyone will experience."

A lifetime of use and past injuries takes a toll on your joints, muscles and other soft tissues. Another culprit is inactivity — that irresistible urge to lie down — that causes our bodies to become soft, weak and unfit over time.

As a result, activities that were easy when we were younger — walking, climbing stairs, carrying groceries — seem to demand extra effort after we’ve logged a few miles.

It’s not just your imagination.

"As we age, our muscles and joints go through certain physiological changes that affect their ability to function as well as they did when we were younger," said Dr. Agnew.

Loss of flexibility in the muscles and other soft tissues — tendons and ligaments — makes them stiff and more susceptible to injuries such as sprains and strains.

"Many middle-aged people suffer from persistent back pain or stiffness in the neck. This is because the muscle fibers are generally weaker, less conditioned and aren’t getting enough of the oxygen-rich blood necessary to heal from even minor injuries."

And, as if stiff muscles weren’t enough, you’re also dealing with pain and stiffness in the joints.

"Joint pain is a symptom of arthritis, but problem joints don’t automatically mean you have arthritis," Dr. Agnew said. "It is possible, and common, to have localized joint pain and stiffness, say in the knees or knuckles, that is a result of years of overuse or injury."

Synovial fluid — the lubricant between the joints — is what makes joints glide across each other effortlessly and painlessly. However, when we age, normal wearing away of this fluid can turn the glide into more of a grind.

But by improving your overall conditioning, you can curb the discomfort of stiff muscles and sore joints.

"Although you’ve heard it countless times before, exercise remains one of the best things you can do to improve the way you feel overall. It’s amazing how much fitness level correlates with the degree of all health conditions, including joint pain and muscle stiffness," said Dr. Agnew.

Stretching is also important to keep muscles elastic and joints strong.

"Gentle stretches every day will help loosen tissues and get the blood flowing to joints and muscles, which means reduced risk of injury and improved healing power," Dr. Agnew said.

Even though these changes have been creeping up on you for years, you probably feel like everything hit you all at once. But, by taking care of yourself and giving your body the care and attention it needs, you will find that those aches and pains are easier to manage.

You may not be squeezing into a Beetle like you did when you were 16, but you just might give the hula-hoop another whirl.