Dr. Victoria Duggan-Vandal, chiropractor<\/a><\/strong> at ABC Clinique Sant\u00e9 Boucherville, explains why movement remains safe, beneficial, and essential in the long term, regardless of age.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Musculoskeletal pain: a very common reality<\/h2>\n
Musculoskeletal pain, which affects muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons, is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. Back pain, in particular, is extremely common. More than one in two people will suffer from it at least once in their lifetime.<\/p>\n
These pains can arise for a variety of reasons. Lack of movement, prolonged exposure to the same positions, high physical or mental stress, or a nervous system that has become more sensitive over time can all contribute to their onset. Contrary to what one might think, pain is not always synonymous with serious damage or injury.<\/p>\n
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Why movement helps prevent pain<\/h2>\n
Regular movement does not necessarily mean intensive training or demanding sports sessions. Movement, in its simplest form, consists of providing the body with the stimuli it needs to function properly.<\/p>\n
Physical activity promotes the maintenance of muscle strength and endurance, supports joint stability, and helps maintain good mobility. It also plays a key role in coordination between the brain and body, the quality of tissues such as muscles, tendons, and cartilage, as well as bone health and blood circulation. In addition, there are significant benefits in terms of stress management and sleep quality.<\/p>\n
Research shows that active people are up to 30% less likely to develop lower back pain during their lifetime than sedentary people. And you don’t have to overdo it. Walking, changing positions, taking the stairs, gardening, playing outside, or dancing are all effective ways to stay active.<\/p>\n
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What should you do when pain is already present?<\/h2>\n
This is often when anxiety sets in. Many people fear that moving while in pain will worsen their condition. However, international clinical guidelines are very clear on this subject.<\/p>\n
When pain is present, it is recommended to maintain daily activities as much as possible and avoid prolonged strict rest. The intensity and type of movement should be adapted according to tolerance, without unnecessary strain. Complete rest, especially when prolonged, is associated with loss of strength, increased stiffness, slower recovery, and increased fear of movement.<\/p>\n
Even during an episode of acute pain, staying in bed for more than one or two consecutive days is generally associated with slower recovery. Movement nourishes tissues, maintains adequate muscle function, and sends a reassuring message to the nervous system. The goal is never to ignore pain, but rather to remain active in a smart and gradual way.<\/p>\n
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What if the pain has been present for a long time?<\/h2>\n
Approximately one in five adults will experience pain that persists for several months or even years. In this context, it is normal to feel discouraged or anxious about movement. Many wonder if moving could aggravate their condition.<\/p>\n
Once again, science offers reassurance. Physical activity, when gradual, well-adapted, and practiced regularly, can reduce pain intensity, improve function, and reduce the fear associated with movement. In cases of chronic pain, movement acts directly on the nervous system by reducing hypersensitivity, improving exercise tolerance, and restoring confidence in the body.<\/p>\n
There is no one type of exercise that is universally superior to others. The most effective movement is the one that can be integrated into your daily routine on a long-term basis and that you enjoy doing.<\/p>\n
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The role of chiropractic in restoring movement<\/h2>\n
In chiropractic, the main goal is to restore movement to joints that are not moving as well as they should. Adequate joint mobility is essential for nourishing cartilage, maintaining the quality of joint fluid, and optimizing the information sent to the brain regarding the position and movement of the joints.<\/p>\n
Clinical treatments play an important role, but they are only part of the process. Movement performed at home is just as essential for maintaining gains, improving the body’s tolerance, and promoting lasting recovery.<\/p>\n
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Exercise at any age: the key to good health<\/h2>\n
There is no ideal age to start exercising. At every stage of life, exercise brings tangible benefits. For children and adolescents, being active on a daily basis helps reduce the risk of persistent pain later in life. In adults, physical activity is associated with less pain, fewer work stoppages, and fewer recurrences. In older adults, it helps reduce existing pain, prevent falls, maintain independence, and preserve quality of life.<\/p>\n
Even with age, the body retains a remarkable ability to adapt when properly stimulated.<\/p>\n
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Get moving<\/h2>\n
Movement is essential to health. Prolonged rest slows down recovery. Moving is safe, even when you are in pain, when it is properly supervised and adapted.<\/p>\n
If you experience pain, stiffness, or the feeling that certain joints are not moving as well as they should, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. A chiropractic assessment will analyze your overall movement and guide you toward a safe, gradual, and confident return to activity.<\/p>\n
Your body is made to move. Help it do so, intelligently.<\/p>\n
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