January 17, 2026

I’m in My 40s. What Actually Relieves Neck, Back, and Knee Pain?

At some point in your 40s, something shifts. You find yourself Googling things you never searched before like “how to relieve my neck pain” or “why do my knees crack when I stand up?”. Not because you ran a marathon or lifted something insanely heavy, but because you simply stood up from the couch or sat at your desk too long.

It can feel sudden, but it is also incredibly common. In the U.S., about 24.3% of adults reported chronic pain in 2023, and 8.5% reported high-impact chronic pain (pain that frequently limits life or work activities). [1]

Aging happens. Joints change. Muscles recover more slowly. Sitting for long stretches starts to show up as neck and shoulder tension. Knees make more noise, and your lower back screams at you when you stand up after a long day of sitting. Globally, low back pain affects hundreds of millions of people and is recognized as the leading cause of disability worldwide. [2]

What you do not need is another lecture about posture or a reminder that you are not 25 anymore. You already know that part. What you really want to know is what will make your body feel better now!

Why Your Joints and Muscles Are Speaking Up More

Here is the simple version of what is going on. As we move through our 40s and beyond, joints gradually lose some of their natural lubrication. Cartilage that once cushioned movement becomes thinner over time. Muscles tighten more easily and take longer to relax once they are stressed.

Daily habits add to this. Sitting at a computer for hours stiffens the neck and upper back. Repetitive movement or lack of movement affects the lower back. Knees absorb years of impact, even if you are not a runner or athlete.

This is not about injury. Most of the time, it is about normal wear and tear combined with modern lifestyles. You are using your body every day, and it now needs more support to recover from that use.

Sitting All Day = Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints in your 40s, especially if you spend a lot of time working at a desk, on a laptop, or on your phone. A 2025 review of 25 studies found that spending more time sedentary was linked with a higher likelihood of neck pain, and the risk increased once people were sitting 4+ hours per day, and even more at 6+ hours per day. [5] Tight shoulders, reduced circulation, and muscle tension build gradually throughout the day. By evening, your neck feels stiff, sore, or achy. On a global level, researchers estimate neck pain affected about 203 million people in 2020, and it’s projected to increase over time. [3]

When neck pain hits, people want fast relief. What tends to work best is calming the nervous system and relaxing tight muscles while increasing circulation in the area. So what do you do?

This is where an ingredient as simple as menthol comes in and is so widely used. Menthol creates a cooling sensation that helps distract from discomfort and encourages muscles to relax. It sends a signal to the nervous system that can reduce the perception of pain and help ease tension caused by long hours of sitting.

Hemp-derived CBD is another ingredient commonly used in topical products for localized discomfort. CBD is valued for its calming properties and is often applied directly to areas where muscles and joints feel overworked. Because it is used topically, it stays focused on the area you care about instead of circulating through the entire body.

Products that combine menthol and hemp-derived CBD are a match made in heaven for neck and back pain because they offer fast, targeted relief. A roll-on formula makes it easy to apply to the neck, shoulders, and upper back.

CryoFreeze® Hemp CBD Roll-On, now in Extra Strength, provides a fast and pronounced release of tension. The cooling feeling alone is so soothing and the relief this product provides lasts for hours.

Why Your Knees Crack and What Helps Them Feel Better

If your knees crack or pop when you stand up, squat, or walk downstairs, you are not alone. A large evidence review found the pooled prevalence of knee crepitus (crackling, popping, or grinding sounds) is about 41% in the general population. [4] The sound itself is usually not the issue. What bothers people is the stiffness, soreness, or discomfort that sometimes comes with it.

Over time, knees experience changes in joint fluid, cartilage, and the muscles that support movement. When joints are less lubricated, movement can feel less smooth. Muscles around the knee may tighten or weaken, affecting how the joint tracks during motion.

Supporting knee comfort often means thinking beyond surface-level relief. Hydration matters, but so does inflammation balance and joint lubrication from the inside out. This is where omega-3 fatty acids come into the conversation.

Omega-3s are known for supporting a healthy inflammatory response in the body. When inflammation is better regulated, joints often feel less stiff and irritated. Omega-3s also help support the fluid environment around joints, which can make movement feel smoother over time.

As a bonus, omega-3 fish oil also supports heart and brain health, which becomes increasingly important as we age. A concentrated option like OMAX3 Ultra-Pure provides a high-potency omega-3 fish oil with a 3:1 EPA to DHA ratio, purified for quality and free from unnecessary fillers. This type of formula supports joint comfort while also contributing to long-term cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Low Back Pain After Sitting or Standing Too Long

Low back pain after sitting is nearly universal in your 40s. Tight hips, reduced core strength, and staying in one position for extended periods all place stress on the lower spine. When you finally stand up, your back reminds you that it has been doing more work than it should. On a population level, the World Health Organization estimates 619 million people live with low back pain, and it’s the leading cause of disability worldwide. [2]

Relief usually comes from a combination of movements and soothing support. Gentle walking and stretching such as hip opening stretches can help restore circulation and loosen tight muscles. Topical ingredients like menthol and CBD can help calm tense muscles and provide localized comfort right where you feel it.

This approach works because it addresses the problem where it lives. You are not trying to overhaul your entire body in one day. You are giving your lower back the support it needs to relax and recover after daily strain.

The Realistic Takeaway

If you are in your 40s or older and wondering what relieves neck, back, and knee pain, the answer is not a single magic solution. It is consistent, layered support.

Move your body regularly, even in small ways. Adjust your workspace when possible. Use topical ingredients like menthol and hemp-derived CBD to soothe overworked areas. Support joint lubrication and inflammation balance with omega-3 fish oil that also benefits your heart and brain.

Don’t worry, your body is not failing you. It is simply asking for a little extra care than it is used to. With the right products, stretches and overall habits, you will feel more fluid and have less aches and pains.