UNPACK YOUR PAIN

PROBLEM AREA: BACK CULPRIT: STRESS? “Stress and anxiety can cause muscle tension, which itself can trigger pain in many areas of the back,” says leading Sydney neurosurgeon Dr Richard Parkinson. “Exercise such as walking, yoga and simply stretching can provide relief.” For a more holistic approach, chiropractor Dr Caterina Massara suggests meditation, guided visualisation, body scanning and slow, diaphragmatic breathing daily to achieve relaxation and release the pressure on your back. PROBLEM AREA: JOINTS CULPRIT: OSTEOARTHRITIS? Osteoarthritis is one of the most chronic joint conditions in Australia. “It causes pain in joints and loss of mobility,” says NPS MedicineWise medical adviser Dr Jill Thistlethwaite. Some people rely on opioids for managing the pain, but Jill says simple changes to your weight and exercise regimen can reduce the condition’s impact. “Think…