Muscle Pain in Seniors – Causes and Solutions

If you don’t understand where all the pain in your neck or right arm is coming from, and you’re above 50, we welcome you to this article for answers. As we age, our health problems become more of a mystery. We can sense a lot of pain in certain parts of the body but never be sure where exactly it is coming from. And why? 

Since we can’t figure the basics, it’s no wonder we’re unable to decipher the reason behind it. And hence, do not know if it’s serious enough to run to the doctor or if a little walk would do. Here, we have compiled all causes of muscle pain in seniors along with their probable solutions. Let’s get to it. 

What’s Causing Muscle Pain?

Before we dive deep into our list of causes of muscle pain and their relevant solutions, let us tell you one thing. There may or may not be just one reason for your muscle pain.

In most cases, the resulting muscle pain is a consequence of a mix of problems. Nevertheless, we’re mentioning the entire list. Identify areas that seem most probable for your condition and take a step ahead in finding the solution.

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1. Medication

It might sound strange. But yes, medications can be the reason for your muscle pain. And that’s particularly true if you have been consuming medicinal drugs of any sort for a long time now.

That’s because when you consume a chemical to treat one condition, it has some side effects and becomes the reason for another health problem. Although it does not happen every time, it’s usually the case with a prolonged intake of heavy medicines.

Pain-Causing Medications

Some medications that can lead to the development of muscle pain in different regions of the body include:

• Statin, including Lescol, Zocor, and Mevacor – Helps decrease cholesterol.
  
• Tolcapone (Tasmar) – It helps treat Parkinson’s disease.
  
• Donepezil (Aricept) – It helps treat Alzheimer’s disease.
  
• Diuretics – They help remove fluids.
  
• Albuterol (Ventolin & Proventil) and Terbutaline (Brethine) – It helps treat Asthma
  

The side effects of these medications may cause severe muscle pain in various parts of the body.

How To Avoid?

Firstly, observe the impact of the medication upon your health closely. If you can confirm that your health deteriorates immensely only upon the intake, then this piece of information can prove to be particularly useful for your doctor. Consult your doctor, report your conditions, and inquire if you can be issued an alternate medicine. At times, there are some substituting lifestyle changes and herbal remedies to replace medications too.

What Really Happens?

If you have only started with your new exercising routine, chances are that you will feel massive amounts of muscle pain. And that’s particularly true if the exercises are intensive. That’s because the lactic acid will build up real quick. But it will be difficult for your body to get rid of it.

How To Avoid?

For that very reason, we suggest increasing the load gradually. Begin with one or two exercises at a time. Do not push yourself to the limits or overstress your body. Increase the load gradually and eventually.

3. Stretching & Awkward Positions

If you’ve switched from cardio to weight-loss workout, and you are now practicing more stretching moves, then chances are you will develop a lot of muscle pain over time. It will take a while before your body gets used to new areas of stress. 

The same applies to sitting, standing, and sleeping in awkward positions. For example, sleeping with an outstretched arm for straight 5-6 hours can develop muscle pain in that arm. You may have slept without any hints of pain, but you’ll surely wake up with an ouch! The same goes for sitting in one position, especially if you work on a computer.

How To Avoid?

If you feel the pain arises after stretching sessions, then cut down the amount of work you’re doing there. Take steps towards your weight loss goals even more slowly.

If you feel it’s because you slept or sat in an awkward position, guard yourself even more. Correct the wrongs. Also, even at your senior age, don’t forget to correct your posture, as it can still save you from the abundance of muscle pain. 

4. Health Problems

The following health problems can also lead to muscle pain:

• Diabetes
  
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
  
• Fibromyalgia
  

Muscle pain is almost always an associated consequence of these health problems. However, in a few health problems like Polymyalgia rheumatic muscle is just as severe and central as other symptoms.

How To Avoid It?

It’s difficult to avoid muscle pain coming from health problems by ourselves. You can try a couple of exercises. But we recommend visiting the doctor as soon as possible.

How To Avoid?

To avoid muscle pain coming from stress, you’ve to cut down the stress. Identify the elements of life stressing you out and determine if you can get rid of them completely. If not, reduce their share in your day. 

Other than that, for immediate relief, you can rely on instant pain reliever products like painkillers or the hemp roll-on for pain. Both of these are affordable, and the hemp roll-on for pain even helps with inflammation of muscles, joint pain, sore muscles, etc.

Final Words

Summing up, the reasons behind your muscle pain can be diverse. Since your body has worn out and almost burned out after decades of heavy usage, it’s almost fair for it to develop pains for the slightest of things. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to leave it that way. We’ve helped you identify the bigger domains, now identify a relevant and specific area, and dive in!

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