Pain Doesn’t Have to Be Part of Getting Older—Here’s How To Fight Back
Reviewed By: P. Jeffrey Smith, D.O.
Why Pain and Discomfort Increase With Age
It’s common to notice more aches, stiffness, or discomfort after 40. While every person’s experience is unique, there are well-understood reasons why the body may feel more worn down:
- Poor movement patterns – Years of sitting, repetitive motions, and limited flexibility can create muscle imbalances that strain joints and tissues.
- Inflammatory diets – Processed foods, excess sugar, and low nutrient intake can drive systemic inflammation that worsens pain.
- Declining muscle mass – Without strength training, muscle loss can accelerate (sarcopenia), reducing stability and making everyday activities harder.
- Bone density changes – Gradual bone thinning (osteopenia or osteoporosis) increases vulnerability to injury.
- Slower recovery – The body’s natural repair processes become less efficient, making it harder to bounce back from stress, workouts, or minor injuries.
“Pain after 40 is not just a result of getting older — it’s a sign your body’s systems need more support,” says Dr. Jeff Smith, D.O., Medical Director at Humanaut Health. “The good news is, many advancements in health are helping people change the trajectory of their pain and experience more quality living.”
Modern Approaches to Understanding Pain
Traditional medicine often focuses on short-term symptom relief with pharmaceuticals and surgery. A health optimization approach to care, on the other hand, aims to uncover why discomfort is happening and create a personalized plan across multiple areas of medicine and wellness to resolve it.
Advanced Diagnostics and Testing
Deep health testing goes beyond a standard physical, measuring hundreds of biomarkers related to inflammation, nutrient status, hormones, metabolic health, and musculoskeletal integrity—all of which can drive feelings of discomfort within the body. Some advanced tests used by physicians to diagnose the cause of pain include:
- Comprehensive blood panels
- Hormone and inflammatory marker testing
- Imaging (CT scans, X-rays, DEXA scans, MRIs, ultrasounds)
- Cardiovascular and metabolic performance testing
- biometric, balance, and strength testing
“Data is the foundation of a personalized treatment plan,” notes Dr. Smith. “When we see the full picture, we can address the root causes instead of masking pain.”
Targeted Therapies to Treat Pain
Modern health optimization programs often blend medical interventions, lifestyle strategies, and regenerative techniques to address pain and support better daily living. Depending on needs, plans may include:
- Peptide therapy – Targeted, amino-acid-based medications to enhance healing, reduce inflammation, and support muscle growth.
- Hormone therapy – Biodentidical hormone prescriptions to bring levels back into balance and support energy, recovery, and bone/muscle health.
- Stem cell therapy – Regenerative medicine approaches that may help repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation using the cells and growth factors found naturally within the body. Learn more about regenerative medicine at Humanaut [add link].
- Strength training – Resistance-based exercise to preserve muscle, increase bone density, and improve mobility.
- Mindful movement – Corrective exercise, yoga, and mobility work to restore alignment and function.
- Breath work – Techniques that improve oxygenation, nervous system balance, and stress recovery.
- Myofascial release – Manual or device-based therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation.
The Link Between Pain and Longevity
Addressing the sources of discomfort not only improves daily life — it may also support long-term health. Chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and poor movement patterns are linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cognitive decline.
“When we help someone move without pain, sleep better, and recover faster, we’re not just improving their quality of life today — we’re protecting their future health,” says Dr. Smith.
Explore Your Options
If you’re struggling with pain or discomfort, it’s important to know that you have options. You may benefit from a health optimization approach if you:
- Experience recurring pain or stiffness
- Want to reduce reliance on pain medications
- Have noticed slower recovery after workouts or injuries
- Are concerned about maintaining strength and mobility as you age
At Humanaut Health, we’re building a new standard for care that guides you through the complexity of modern health with advanced insights, therapies and care. Ready to take the next step? Explore our core care memberships to access advanced testing, integrative care, and personalized therapies that can help you break free of your pain.
Final Takeaway
Pain after 40 is common, but it’s not inevitable. By understanding what’s happening in your body and applying modern, personalized interventions—including hormone, peptide, stem cell and physical therapies— you can stay active, reduce discomfort, and support healthy aging.
