fbpx
(732) 345-1377 info@monmouthpain.com

Staying Active with Pain Management in Monmouth County

I’ve been talking a lot lately about knee pain, which can be caused by trauma and/or age-related degeneration. I think the bigger idea I’d like to address today is the correlation between pain and attitude.

This blog has already addressed the connection between successful rehabilitation and commitment to the process. Now, let’s talk about some of the thought processes that prevent us from finding relief. Let’s figure out why so many people think that age necessarily equals slowing down and accepting pain.

I have an acquaintance who was once a major runner—this guy completed eight marathons (all with a finish time of around or under three hours) as well as countless 5Ks and other running races. Now, at the age of 36, he’s barely willing to go for his usual afternoon run. But why?

This guy has accepted that he’s no longer young enough to be as active as he once was. He also suffers from knee pain. We should probably point out that his father (once a great runner himself) ended up overweight and eventually underwent triple bypass surgery. This might seem like a pretty extreme case but, in reality, it isn’t.

It’s a slippery slope into unhealthy, sedentary living, but one that is understood and accepted in our culture as part of getting older. The consequences of such a lifestyle include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, heart disease, psychological issues (including depression), and, eventually, early death.

Inactivity can also increase or cause pain. So, if pain is what caused you to be less active in the first place, it’s only going to get worse. In fact, you will most likely end up with more pain in different parts of your body.

Let’s use back pain as an example. Most of us will experience back pain—I think the statistic is 80% of the population—although activity can help patients to avoid this condition. Being overweight, for one, is a major risk factor for back pain. While some people may become overweight due to pain and reduced activity, painful conditions are often caused by excessive weight, creating an unhealthy cycle wherein less activity leads to increased weight, more pain, and even less movement. The same is certainly true for knee pain as well as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and sciatica.

Over time, unhealthy lifestyles can also lead to muscle weakness. Weakened muscles offer less support for the back and—like being overweight—create a vicious cycle of pain, less activity, more weakness, more pain, etc.

Solutions for Pain in Monmouth County

Okay, so what are you supposed to do when age-related aches and pain begin to affect your ability to stay active and healthy? I’ve spent years creating the type of pain management facility that can provide the multi-disciplinary answer to that very question.

Speaking very generally, pain management is an interdisciplinary branch of medicine designed to ease pain and improve quality of life. Our office really inhabits this definition—we offer medical care (the Director of our Medical department is an expert in pain management); physical therapy; acupuncture; and chiropractic treatment.

Our medical department provides an extensive array of methods for pain reduction, including the very latest in minimally invasive, interventional pain management. The overall goal is to help patients get out of pain 100% while returning to normal activity. We want you to accomplish these goals without surgery or excessive medication.

Let’s use back pain, once again, as an example. The following therapies/procedures may be used to eliminate back pain (all are offered in our Red Bank pain management office):

That’s a lot of options, I know, and not all of them are used for every patient. For the most part, interventional procedures (such as steroid injections) are used in situations where patients are in a tremendous amount of pain and can’t participate in physical therapy.

My point in posting this list is to prove that there are many options for pain relief; you don’t have to stop moving and start spending your days on the couch simply because you are getting older and experiencing pain. Let’s destroy this thought paradigm and replace it with this belief: that getting older doesn’t have to slow you down, that pain is treatable at any age. Contact our Red Bank, New Jersey pain management office for a consultation.

Have Questions? Get In Touch Today!

Give us a call at (732) 345-1377 today to have all of your questions answered and to get you booked for an appointment!

Monmouth Pain - White Logo

About Monmouth Pain

Monmouth Pain is a multi-specialty, all-under-one-roof orthopedic facility serving Monmouth & Ocean County NJ.

Services include orthopedics, neurosurgery, pain management, sports medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and acupuncture.

Monmouth Pain combines expert collaborative care with 5-star service to provide you with the best results for your condition.

Simple, effective, efficient.

Follow Us

Related Posts

Understanding Sciatica

Understanding Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain and discomfort along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. The team at Monmouth Pain understands the impact that sciatica can have on daily life, and in this blog post, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options for this common condition.

read more
Comprehensive Specialties at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation: Achieving Success through Interventional Pain Management and Orthopedic Care

Comprehensive Specialties at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation: Achieving Success through Interventional Pain Management and Orthopedic Care

Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation is dedicated to providing comprehensive, specialized care for individuals seeking effective pain management and improved overall well-being. With a team of highly skilled professionals, cutting-edge techniques, and a patient-centric approach, Monmouth Pain offers tailored solutions for a wide array of conditions.

read more
Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Options for Orthopedic Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide with a Focus on Spinal Care

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Options for Orthopedic Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide with a Focus on Spinal Care

When it comes to orthopedic conditions, such as those affecting the spine, patients often face the decision of choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options. At Monmouth Pain, we understand the importance of providing patients with comprehensive information to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare. In this blog post, we will explore the factors to consider when deciding between surgical and non-surgical options for orthopedic conditions, with a particular focus on spinal care.

read more
When to Consider an Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon Consultation for Back Pain: Making Informed Decisions for Your Health

When to Consider an Orthopedic Surgeon or Neurosurgeon Consultation for Back Pain: Making Informed Decisions for Your Health

The human spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, flexibility, and protection to our bodies. Central to its function are the spinal discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Unfortunately, spinal disc injuries can occur due to various factors, leading to pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for spinal disc injuries.

read more
Understanding Spinal Disc Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Understanding Spinal Disc Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

The human spine is a remarkable structure that provides support, flexibility, and protection to our bodies. Central to its function are the spinal discs, which act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae. Unfortunately, spinal disc injuries can occur due to various factors, leading to pain and discomfort. In this blog post, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for spinal disc injuries.

read more