Growling may be of more help if you are male. It almost seems that females may have some extra tools in the area of sweetness, cooperation and niceness that many older males either lack or can't find. My nature and my habits are such that a quick growl can be a comfort and make things seem in order.
With my currently tender back muscle, it can take some extra effort to stand, bend, lift and parts of me know when to throw in a growl or snarl.
Such a sound helps me recognize pain and tolerate it.
