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health & wellness
| July 9, 2025

Aches and pains in seniors: What's normal and what's not

Medically reviewed by Jocelyn Hermanson MSN, RN, COC, CPC, CRC
 
senior in pool

Over time, it's common for an aging body to experience aches and pains. But how do you know the difference between normal aging and potentially something more serious? This blog post will help you better understand pain, common causes, and ways to manage it.

 

What is pain?

 

Pain is a common problem. More than 20% of adults in the United States have pain. It can affect how well someone enjoys life and how easily they move around.1 As people age, pain can become more common because of different things happening in the body.

 

Pain starts with nerve cells called nociceptors. Think of these as pain receptors. These receptors tell the body, "Ouch, that hurts!" When someone gets hurt, these pain receptors release chemicals that send signals up the spinal cord to the brain. The brain then understands there is pain. This whole process happens very quickly.

 

There are two main types of pain:

 

Acute pain:

 

This kind of pain is usually sharp and comes on suddenly. It has a specific cause, like after surgery, breaking a bone, getting a burn, or a cut. Acute pain usually doesn't last longer than six months, and it goes away when the cause is gone.

 

Chronic pain:

 

This pain is ongoing and usually lasts longer than six months. It might continue even after the injury or illness that caused it is gone. Chronic pain is linked to things like headaches, arthritis, cancer, back pain, and fibromyalgia. Chronic pain can cause tense muscles, make it hard to move, and lead to a lack of energy. It can also cause emotional problems like feeling down, anxious, or scared.

 

Common aches and pains

 

When in pain, it’s hard to know the origin and if the pain means something minor or serious. Knowing your own personal history, past injuries, and current activity levels can give you greater insight into the reason for the pain. But when pain occurs suddenly or for no clear reason, then it’s time to consider all the possibilities. 

 

Lower back pain

Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States.2 Back pain can feel different for different people. It might be a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. Back pain has many different causes. It can be caused by mechanical problems (like ruptured discs), medical conditions, or injuries.

 

Headaches:

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, and the most common form of pain.3

 

Tension headaches:

These feel like a band squeezing the head.

 

Cluster headaches:

These cause severe, piercing pain on one side of the head and eye.

 

Migraine headaches:

These are often severe and may cause throbbing or pulsating pain.

 

Arthritis: 

Arthritis is marked by pain, stiffness, inflammation, and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage wears away. Cartilage is a tissue that acts as a cushion between two bones. When the cartilage is gone, bones rub together, which causes inflammation. This leads to pain and stiffness. Over time, joints can lose strength, and the pain may become chronic.

 

Fibromyalgia: 

Fibromyalgia is a common health problem that causes pain all over the body, along with other symptoms. The main symptoms include widespread muscle pain and severe fatigue. Some people with fibromyalgia may have trouble thinking and remembering, and they may feel anxious or depressed.

 

Lifestyle tips to help manage pain

 

In some cases, just making a lifestyle change can lead to pain-free living. Establishing a new routine or habit can be as easy moving more or avoiding certain activities that aggravate pain. Other ideas to consider are:

 

Relaxation techniques: 

These techniques help the body relax. They can shift the brain's focus away from the pain. Mindfulness and meditation, guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, and tai chi can all potentially help.

 

Acupuncture: 

This involves putting thin needles into specific points on the body to help relieve pain and restore health. It may help with headaches, neck and low-back pain, and symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia. It may work by releasing endorphins and by affecting the part of the brain that controls serotonin.

 

Acupressure: 

This is applying pressure to certain places on the body to relieve pain.

 

Physical therapy: 

A physical therapist can help figure out what's causing pain and what can be done to manage it. Physical therapy may include massage, the manipulation of bones and joints, movements and exercises, and laser therapy.

 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): 

This uses electricity to help reduce pain. Small electrodes are placed on the skin, and a machine sends tiny electrical impulses to the painful area. 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.

 

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.

It's important to talk to a healthcare provider before making any changes to diet and/or exercise routine.

 

What medicines can I take for pain?

If pain is interfering with daily life, your primary care doctor might suggest medicine as one treatment path. These could be prescription or over-the-counter medicines, depending on the level of pain and your overall health picture.

 

Acetaminophen:

This is often the first choice for mild to moderate pain. It can help with headaches, arthritis, and back pain

 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

These work best for mild to moderate pain that has swelling and inflammation.

 

Opioids:

These are used for moderate to severe pain by turning down the volume on pain signals. They should be used as a last resort because they can be addictive.

 

It's important to talk to a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of any pain medicine. If a healthcare provider prescribes medicine, take it as directed.

 

When to see your primary care doctor

 

If pain gets worse or affects daily life, it's time to see a doctor or healthcare provider. They may ask you several questions to get a good understanding of your pain and how best to treat it. Some questions you may hear include:

  • The history of the pain, including when and how it started.
  • The level of pain, on a scale of 0 to 10.
  • How pain interferes with ability to function.
  • Treatments that have worked or not worked.


Pain is a part of life at all ages, but over time and as the body declines, living with pain becomes more of a reality for seniors and older adults. If you’re living with pain, you can take steps to manage it better, starting with understanding pain and available treatment options. Visit a CenterWell Senior Primary Care center where our doctors and care teams specialize in caring for seniors.

 

Disclaimers:


Content contained on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness or dietary plan. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement of any website or other sources. For any health-related questions, contact your healthcare provider.

 

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