15
May
2023
|
17:37 PM
America/New_York

6 Surprising Factors that Contribute to Physical Pain

Psychology Today interviews experts including Vijay B. Vad, MD, physiatrist at HSS about factors that contribute to pain as we age. 

One factor is not enough estrogen, which  lowers pain thresholds. Dr. Vad recommended taking 2,000 mg daily of curcumin. A compound in turmeric, curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory, but it is hard to absorb in a powder, unless it is combined with a constituent of black pepper. But some formulations, including curry dishes, address that problem. 

A low thyroid can also contribute to pain. Dr. Vad advised that anyone with arthritis or any type of joint or muscle pain that has taken a turn for the worse ask for a “thyroid function panel,” which measures levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and other hormones in your blood. A normal TSH is between 0.4 mlU/L and 4.0 mlU/L. Medication can relieve pain within a month, even if your level is considered “borderline.”

Read the full article at psychologytoday.com.