As we age our bodies experience the wear and tear of daily life and activities. Joints and bones become worn and brittle and consequentially we experience pain and soreness. There are things you can do to treat and relieve the pain and symptoms such as taking anti-inflammatory medications and participating in regular exercise. However, there may be things that you are not aware of that are inducing discomfort. Here are examples of everyday things that can trigger pains and aches:

1. Flip-Flops and High Heels- While popular in fashion, these types of footwear are notorious for triggering aches and pains, and not just in the feet, but throughout the entire body. A lack of arch support and unnatural foot position can quickly amount to additional strain.
2. Cheese- An excellent source of calcium, aged cheeses also contain high amounts of the substance tyramine, which is known to be a headache trigger.
3. Sleep Habits- Counting sheep is important for tissue maintenance and repair. Without adequate sleep our bodies are incapable of repairing damaged tissues and joints. Sleep position is also a factor in the presence of pain. Sleeping on your side or back with your arms at your side is the recommended position for reduced pain.
4. Cell Phones- With smart phone technology it is easier than ever to accomplish a wide variety of things with a phone. Unfortunately, repetitive use of the thumbs and fingers can trigger arthritic pain and symptoms in the hands.
5. Stress- Stress has been linked to a variety of serious health-related issues, but it can also trigger daily pains and headaches as well.
6. Your Workspace- If your job involves sitting in one area for a good part of the day, chances are your workspace could be a pain trigger. Make sure your seated posture is upright and your computer monitor is at eye-level.
7. Changes in Weather- Though it has not been scientifically proven, weather changes can have pain-triggering effects in some people, especially those that suffer from arthritis.
8. Diet & Skipping Meals- Certain foods can aggravate or relieve pain symptoms associated with auto-immune disorders. Skipping meals is also a culprit in triggering pain as it causes your blood sugar to dip triggering headaches.
9. Strong Smells- Although scientists are unsure why, strong smells like those from perfume and paint can trigger headaches in many people.
10. Driving- Car interiors are customizable for a reason. Properly setting your seat for upright posture and your steering wheel for relaxed arms is essential to preventing pain related to extended periods of driving. Also, make sure your mirrors are set as to not cause eye or neck strain when viewing. This will not only does this make your travels safer, but it also helps prevent unnecessary pain.

What To Do

Make sure you are aware of these things that may be triggering your pain and work to prevent or correct any imbalances. Knowing what triggers pain is half the battle. After you eliminate your triggers you should notice a decrease in unexpected and misunderstood pains and aches.