Oof. You wake up and you ache again. Tight neck. Maybe it is your pillow. Maybe you need a new mattress. But then again, by the middle of your day, you mid back may be aching, you tightness in your shoulders, low back is screaming. Then you get home at the end of the day and have generalized muscle aches. All over. Is this a normal part of aging? Do other’s ache like this?

Well, let’s get into it. Yes, a lot of people experience generalized muscle ache, tightness in their back and neck and feels soreness throughout the day. We can say it sure is common, but it’s into normal. Your body is trying to communicate with you. Pain and symptoms, and achiness, are communication tools of your body. They are telling you something is off. But what causes these aches and pains? In many cases, the answer lies in one word: inflammation.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. It’s a vital part of the healing process, signaling the immune system to send white blood cells to protect and repair the damaged area. In the short term, inflammation can be helpful, as it initiates the healing process. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to discomfort and prolonged pain.

Common signs of inflammation include:

• Swelling

• Redness

• Heat

• Pain

• Loss of function (limited mobility)

When these symptoms persist, they can contribute to the generalized aches and pains that many people feel throughout their bodies.

Feeling achy all the time may seem normal, especially as we age or after a long day of physical activity, but persistent aches and pains are often a sign that something deeper is happening in the body. While occasional soreness after strenuous activities or stress is common, constant discomfort could indicate underlying issues such as chronic inflammation, poor posture, or muscle imbalances. It’s important to listen to your body—regular, unexplained pain is not something to ignore. Aches that don’t go away on their own may need further evaluation to determine if there’s a root cause, such as joint dysfunction, inflammation, or even nutritional deficiencies.

In some cases, chronic pain can result from prolonged habits that put strain on the body, such as sitting for long periods, overuse of muscles, or inadequate rest and recovery. Inflammation from stress or illness can also contribute to ongoing discomfort. If you find yourself frequently dealing with generalized aches, seeking help from a healthcare professional, like a chiropractor, can be a good step. Chiropractors can assess your alignment, identify any sources of strain, and offer treatments that target the cause rather than just masking the symptoms.

How Inflammation Causes Pain

Inflammation can cause pain in several ways. When tissues become inflamed, they often swell, putting pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues, which can lead to discomfort. Additionally, the chemicals released during inflammation, such as prostaglandins, can increase the sensitivity of nerves, amplifying the sensation of pain.

For some people, inflammation becomes widespread, affecting multiple joints and muscles. This can lead to generalized aches, stiffness, and even fatigue.

The Role of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment to the spine and other joints in the body. Misalignments, or subluxations, can interfere with the nervous system and lead to inflammation and pain in the affected areas. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and relieve pain.

Here's how nervous system based chiropractic care at Dover Health Care Center can help with generalized aches and pains caused by inflammation:

1. Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractic adjustments are designed to realign the spine, improve mobility, and reduce nerve irritation. By restoring proper alignment, the body can function more effectively, reducing the likelihood of chronic inflammation.

2. Improved Circulation: Proper spinal alignment improves blood flow, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to inflamed tissues, promoting faster healing and reducing pain.

3. Decreased Muscle Tension: Misalignments in the spine can cause compensatory tension in muscles and ligaments. Chiropractic adjustments can release this tension, easing discomfort and preventing further inflammation.

4. Natural Pain Relief: Unlike medications that may mask pain, chiropractic care addresses the root cause of discomfort. By focusing on alignment, joint mobility, and nervous system health, chiropractic provides a holistic approach to pain relief without the need for drugs or surgery.

5. Preventative Care: Regular chiropractic visits can help maintain proper spinal health and prevent the buildup of inflammation, keeping aches and pains at bay before they become chronic problems.

Supporting Your Chiropractic Care

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, lifestyle changes can help reduce inflammation and manage pain. Here are a few ways to support your chiropractic care and keep inflammation under control:

• Anti-inflammatory diet: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish and flaxseeds), antioxidants (like berries and leafy greens), and whole grains can help reduce inflammation.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity promotes circulation and keeps joints flexible, reducing the risk of inflammation.

• Proper hydration: Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and keeps your body functioning at its best, reducing the risk of inflammation.

• Stress management: Chronic stress can contribute to inflammation. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help keep stress levels in check.

Generalized aches and pains are often a result of chronic inflammation. While this can be frustrating, there’s good news: chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free solution to address the root cause of your pain. By improving alignment, reducing tension, and supporting nervous system function, chiropractic care can help you feel better, move better, and live a healthier life.

If you’re struggling with aches and pains, schedule a consultation with Dover Health Care Center today. Our chiropractic team is here to help you take control of your pain and get back to doing the things you love.