A little soreness after a good workout is expected. That slow-developing ache that comes knocking a day or two after a good workout is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. As long as it's just a mild discomfort, it's normal. In fact, you should almost expect it, especially when you're starting a new activity.

But sometimes we go a little far and the aches and pains are a bit much. Non-medication treatments like ice packs, hot showers and massages can provide some relief. And medication certainly can help, but NSAIDs (such as Advil and Aleve) can lead to stomach upset and acetaminophen (as found in Tylenol) has been linked to liver damage. Though, as That's Fit recently told you, taking small doses of painkillers for exercise-related pain isn't that harmful.

Still I wonder, when you overdo your workout, how do you treat the aches and pains?

Remember, mild aches after working out are expected. But if the pain you're experiencing is sharp or severe, it may indicate an injury and you should see your doctor. Speaking of workouts, have you ever considered working out at the beach?

On its own, joint pain isn't usually something that warrants a visit to the doctor's office. It's more of a nuisance--something to make note of and mention the next time you go in for a physical. But sometimes, joint pain can be a sign of something more serious, as Everyday Health points out. When does joint pain warrant medical attention? When ...

• ... its accompanied by a fever, rash, fatigue, headache, or weight loss
• ... its a result of joint trauma or injury
• ... the pain is severe
• ... there are neurological symptoms too, like numbness in the hands or pain in the neck or back.
  

Not to freak you out or anything, but joint pain can be a symptom of autoimmune diseases, infections and even cancer, so make sure to pay attention to those aches and pains.

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I am sore. I train hard, I play hard, and I am sore. But, I just treated myself to something I think will allow me to be less sore in the future. An iNeed shiatsu massager pillow from Brookstone. Mmmmm. It makes me so happy. If you're unfamiliar with this thing, it's a pillow you attach to a chair and lean back on. Then these thumb-like knobby things move around and massage the sore parts on your back and neck.

In fact, right now as I'm writing this I have that weird look of ecstasy on my face. I'm using my shiatsu pillow. Usually folks come to me on advice on how to become more sore. Training equipment, strategies, etc. Today you get the opposite. My $59 pillow of pleasure from Brookstone will satisfy my aching back for much longer than any single massage at a spa. (Although I love those too).

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Whether you're fit or not, everyone gets muscle aches from time to time. But instead of running to you doctor every time you feel a twinge of pain, Everyday Health advises you to try this plan of action to treat it first:

• Right after the injury, apply ice frequently for the next three days
• After these three days, apply heat to the area
• Ease pain with a gentle over-the-counter pain killer
• Gently massage the muscle and stretch it.
  
• Once it feels like its healing, start doing some gentle exercises like walking, swimming and yoga

If you still have pain, consult your doctor.

How do you treat minor injuries?

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We've all had muscles aches and pains from time to time. Everything from menstrual cramps to working on the house to playing with the kids can induce it. The key is not to overdo a regular activity that can lead to unneeded aches shortly thereafter.

But, common diseases are also a cause of pain and discomfort, and the product ibuprofen and naproxen may be common to many of you. If you're playing soccer with some folks from the office and find that you've pulled a muscle in that leg or arm, remember these tidbits:

• Apply ice to the affected area for the first few days to minimize swelling
• Apply heat after three days to the affected area
• Over-the-counter drugs acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  

Read this for more tips.

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Recently a small study confirmed for college kids what I think many of us already knew: too much time spent on the computer means aches, pains, and sore muscles. The study looked at 27 college students and found that the more time they spent working on the computer, the more complaints they had of aches and pains over the next 24 hours. Spending three or more hours a day on the computer increased musculoskeletal symptoms by 50%, with the most common complaint area being the neck, followed by the lower back, upper back, and shoulders.

Posture is obviously important, as is taking frequent breaks to sit back and stretch. Since computers aren't going anywhere anytime soon, researchers will now be setting up larger studies to hopefully gain some ideas on how to help students stay healthy while studying and working (and the rest of us too!).

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When it comes to fitness one of the hardest things about getting started with something new is the inevitable sore and achy muscles the day after. Beginning fitness habits are delicate enough in terms of keeping them going without being unable to get back out there no matter how much you want to because you hurt too much. But there are things you can do to make sure you don't overdo it and inadvertently throw a kink in your own plans: try these simple tips to help you bounce back better than ever after a strenuous workout:

• Drink plenty of water and other fluids
• Stretch!
• Don't skip the cool down
• Refuel with carbs and protein within 30 minutes of finishing exercising

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My dad struggled with terrible Rheumatoid arthritis of his wrists and knees, so bad sometimes that he couldn't write his own signature or walk up and down stairs without cringing. But he'd be darned if he was going to start doing something crazy like eating healthier. That was just a load of you-know-what. But my mother and I truly believed that if he made some changes in his life he would feel better overall and his Arthritis might not trouble him so much. Turns out we were on to something, as this article points out that diets high in fat, sugar, salt and other unhealthy stuff are definitely not helping relieve the pain of inflammation.

Other factors that contribute to inflammation? Stress, lack of sleep, lack of exercise and basically everything else that's characteristic of an unhealthy lifestyle. That isn't to say you have total control over your aches and pains, but apparently some healthy changes can make life more bearable.

What's your experience with inflammation?

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As much as we all hear about ergonomics when it comes to setting up your workspace and office, exercise might actually be a bigger player in preventing unnecessary aches and pains. Studies have shown that regular physical activity, of any kind really, is more effective than ergonomics in preventing aches, pains, and even injuries from repetitive stress. How much activity? At least 30 minutes a day (which is the same amount recommended for all kinds of other health benefits, conveniently). And don't go trashing your lumbar-support chair and ergonomic keyboard just yet -- they do still help.

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You know that phrase you are what you eat? There's a lot of truth to it. Diet can have a bigger impact on your life and body than you think. To prove my point, I found this article from eDiets which suggests that the aches, pains and inflammation that are considered part of entering middle age can be worsened by an unhealthy diet containing lots of refined sugar, process white flours, dairy, unhealthy fats and much more. To help with the aches? Choose things like tea, fish, healthy fats, vegetables, water and spices.

What's your experience with pain and food?

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Bullying is not a new thing but there has been increased attention in the U.S. since the Columbine shootings and if ignored, it can be devastating. There are different kinds of bullying such as hitting and pushing which is physical bullying, name calling or teasing which is verbal bullying, social exclusions or intimidation which is emotional bullying, and phone or computer messages that are insulting or cyber bullying. Verbal bullying is the most common although boys are more likely to experience physical bullying and girls are more likely to experience social isolation.

Most bullying occurs where there is less adult supervision like school buses, cafeterias, hallways, bathrooms, locker rooms and playgrounds. Schools should have policies in place to deal with bullying and parents should listen closely to their children and report bullying. Some children however will not talk about it for fear of repercussions so some warning signs that parents should look for are unexplained cuts and bruising. Your child seems afraid to ride the bus and has lost interest in schoolwork or other activities at school. Your child may complain of headaches or stomach aches or other physical ailments and might have trouble sleeping or may experience bad dreams while sleeping. These signs are all worth exploring. Share your concerns with your child's teacher because they are the ones that can better observe how your child reacts with other children. If that conversation gets you no where, then make an appointment with the school principle or guidance counselor.

If your child is doing the bullying explain that bullying is a serious problem and that it will not be tolerated. Because bullying often stems from unhappiness or insecurity, try to find out if something is bothering your child. You may also have a greater impact if you express disappointment and not anger toward your child but be stern. Teach your child that they should respect all people no matter how different they are.

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As your body gets older, some things will inevitably start to get a little crickety. But you have more control over future aches and pains than you may think. It's one of those situations where it's so hard to make an effort because the payoff is so gradual and abstract -- you can't actually see the results, and although you will be able to feel them someday it's so far off and happens so subtly that it's hard to stay with it.

But the little things you do today can and will have an effect on how you feel years from now, so take a look at this four step plan for aging ache-lessly (not a word, but I'm thinking it works!).

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Ugh, the dreaded setback. A lot of things can fall into the category of "setback," like an injury that makes it harder to work out, or a holiday season that makes it harder to eat healthy. The important thing is to remember that everybody experiences hardships on the way to their goals, but how you deal with them is what's really important. Looking at them as challenges, and chances to grow, will help you push yourself past it.

So you're determined to beat the odds and come out on top, but feel like you could use some help to get there? Try these tips:

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