Understand your arthritis pain

Osteoarthritis can be caused by an injury to the joints, which can break down the cartilage — connective tissue that protects the joints by absorbing stress. What you can do about it:

• OTC pain medications can help ease minor arthritis pain

• Physical therapy and exercises can complement your treatment

• Use hot and cold packs

• Be sure to discuss with your doctor a treatment plan that’s right for you

Understand your back & muscle pain

Back and muscle pain can be caused by poor posture, prolonged sitting, lifting improperly, heavy backpacks, muscle sprains or strains, injury or trauma. What you can do about it:

• Limit the rest to a few hours and no more than a couple of days

• Target the source with OTC pain medication

• Use a cold compress or hot water bottle

• Exercise or stretch your muscles

• Maintain good posture

Understand your shoulder and knee pain

Your knees and shoulders are among the most important joints in your body. Knees support your weight and provide stability. Shoulders are the most moveable, but also the most unstable joints in the body, as they are highly dependent on the surrounding muscles and ligaments to hold them in place. What you can do about it:

• OTC pain medications can help ease your minor pain

• Rest and avoid moving the injured knee

• Consult your doctor about exercises and stretch plans

• Apply ice and compression to knees

• Surgery in some cases can be a solution

• Long-term pain relief injections

Understand your headache pain

Headaches happen when the nerve endings in different parts of your head and neck become irritated. Types of headaches include tension headaches and cluster headaches. What you can do about it:

• For tension headache symptoms, try OTC pain medications, like Aleve

• Drug-free options can be supporting therapy, whole living strategies and better quality sleep

• Supporting therapies like yoga and other relaxation techniques; Whole living strategies like meditation, exercise and regular bedtimes

• If your headaches continue to occur frequently, please seek advice from your doctor