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Lessen Pain by Losing Weight

It’s a known fact that as we age we tend to have an increase in muscular and joint pain. It slowly creeps up on us because the actions that lead up to the symptoms are gradual, unassuming and thought to be a “normal” progression of aging. Take the few extra pounds we gain during mid life as an example. Left unchecked and you could be a candidate for obesity in no time.

The Institute for Preventative Foot Health discovered that obese people have a 40% increase in lower body joint pain. This makes sense because walking can place up to three times your body weight on your feet, knees and hips. Every step can wear joint cartilage and compress nerves which can lead to a life of chronic pain.

What’s the solution? Unfortunately, because pain is considered a “normal” symptom of aging, lifestyle solutions are often ignored in favor of treatment through medication. Let’s face it; when joints cause you pain, it’s much easier to just pop a pill to make the hurt go away. However, in this scenario only the symptom -not the cause- of pain is being treated. Until the cause is addressed, you are doomed to a dependency on medications to gain relief and thus tip the first domino in a chain reaction of events that rapidly lead to physical degeneration.

One counter solution is to lighten the load placed on your joints. Losing weight has been proven to reduce the wear and tear placed on lower body joints. Less wear means a decrease in joint pain thereby allowing you to remain mobile and active throughout your later years. However, the benefits don’t stop there! Losing excessive weight can help shrink your risk of a wide range of diseases deemed “age appropriate” such as high blood pressure and diabetes. The latter of which can also cause pain due to diminished circulation and nerve damage.

I realize that while this may be a simple solution; for many, losing weight is a tremendously difficult task. My suggestion is to seek professional help. If you are at a loss, feel free to call or email me for a referral toward an appropriate health and lifestyle professional. In some cases all that may be needed is a good exercise routine and a tweak of your dietary habits. For others, a physician or medically based program may be the best fit.

Either way, there is help to treat your chronic pain that doesn't require dependance on medications. So don’t settle for the excuse that pain is an unavoidable symptom of getting older! In many cases it’s not – and I’ve got many clients to prove it!

As always – Enjoy Your Life!

John Aaron Villarreal

Bio: I am a Houston based, male massage therapist and wellness coach specializing in pain management and health programs for individuals over the age of forty. I laugh - a lot. I'm quirky but sincere. And, while I'm not a counselor, I do listen and I do care: Except for the times that I don't. That’s a joke - Did I mention that I like to laugh? Anyway, visit my website, call or email me and let's get together to talk about you, and the many ways to live life better!
 
The Legal Stuff: I write to inform, inspire and encourage my readers to enjoy all that life has to offer.
The content and information on this site is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease.
Please consult your physician prior to starting any exercise, diet or wellness program.
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Location: Houston, TX, USA

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