Getting the odd niggle is part and parcel of an active lifestyle, but if you suffer from ongoing pain it’s time to see a doctor, writes Megan Sety

Aches and pains can be a common part of an active lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore or put up with persistent pain.

Intermittent or ongoing pain can be a warning sign that something might become a serious problem or that an old injury is getting worse.

You might be able to ignore the pain until one day you move just a little too much in the wrong way and find yourself with a serious injury because your body was already vulnerable.

Next time you feel that nagging pain in the same old place, ask yourself:

• Is your basic range of movement significantly limited (you’re not able to bend or twist, push or pull)?
• Does it limit daily activities (cooking, driving, working)?
• When it does flare up, do you have to stop your usual level of physical activity for several weeks to recover? Does this happen often?
• Does the pain affect your sleep, mood or overall well-being?
• Do you need drugs to manage the pain?

If you answer yes to some of these questions, it might be time to think about seeing a health practitioner for an assessment.