FAQ: What Should I DO For Knee (Back, Shoulder, Neck, etc.) Pain?

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines pain as an “unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.” It is more than data received from the body.   The reason we perceive physical pain is not always simply due to tissue damage. Pain is complex.  One thing is for sure, everybody hurts…sometimes.  And it seems more of us are in pain more frequently.  

• The 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that an estimated 25.3 million adults (11.2 percent) experience chronic pain.  Chronic pain is defined by pain every day for the preceding 3 months.
• 25% of adults experience knee pain and it appears to be increasing in prevalence.
• About 80 percent of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives.
• The overall prevalence of nonspecific neck-shoulder-arm pain appears to be increasing in the general population. 

When we are in pain, we don’t want to move.   The more it hurts, the less you move.  The less you move, the more things hurt. It's a vicious loop. Maintaining regular movement is absolutely critical to a healthy, functional body and a fulfilling life.   Not only that but studies suggest that exercise can provide pain relief equal to medication in some cases. 

Your body was meant to move but how do you do that when you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain?  Of course, it's imperative to be checked out by a medical professional; pain can be a sign of underlying pathology.   Second opinions are also a great idea.  You want to be cleared for exercise so that you do not exacerbate any injuries or medical conditions.   If your doctor or physical therapist tells you that you can proceed, you should! 

I am asked about pain in some form every few weeks. A certified personal trainer (CPT) cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions.  But a CPT can help you get moving if you are ready, able, willing (and cleared!)   Here are a few important things to keep in mind.

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