Why Strengthen Muscles to Reduce Pain

Muscle strength is important for reducing pain, as I learned in a recent conversation with a pain management physiatrist doctor.

I’m not a doctor, but I am happy to relay what I learned. If you have pain, reach out to your medical provider to discuss the best treatment options for you.

As we age, our bodies begin to break down. It is a natural process and no one can escape it—though different bodies age and wear down at different rates. But if all bodies begin to break down, why do some not experience the same level of pain?

Muscles.

The doctor I spoke with introduced me to several of his patients. Some had degenerative disc issues, scoliosis, and one even had a compression fracture in the thoracic spine.

The doctor stated that these conditions are just part of an aging body—conditions many people won’t even notice. These changes are natural side effects of aging. A large indicator of whether individuals will feel significant pain from such changes is muscular strength.

He used the example of an 18-year-old with healthy joints, supported by muscles. As the joints age, the structure begins to collapse. However, if muscular strength holds up the structure, there is less pain. As we age, muscles have to do more than they did when they were younger, because they have to compensate more for the weakening bone and joint structure.

When one component of your aging body, say joints, deteriorates, something else needs to take over to compensate. Often people begin to use devices and tools, like canes, to help bear weight. But muscles can also be strengthened to help compensate.

It can be difficult to begin strengthening your muscles when you have pain. While you have to navigate any conditions you have—another reason to work with a medical professional—any additional strength should help you better support your weight and reduce pain. Swimming, walking, and yoga are good ways to start building strength. Certain conditions, like scoliosis, won’t just go away with strength exercises, but finding more alignment and support from the built-in scaffolding of your body will help reduce the severity of the pain and help you manage conditions of aging.

Now all you need is a little strength of mind to get started.