These tips can help older loved ones who are living with chronic pain.
Think about how it would be like to wake up each day, greeted by the relentless reminder of unyielding pain. From the moment you get out of bed to every step you take throughout the day, you experience discomfort. Even falling asleep is a challenge as the pain lingers. This is the stark reality for millions of people who are living with chronic pain. In the U.S. alone, as many as 50 million adults suffer from chronic pain, with older adults being especially afflicted. Around 85% of seniors experience some form of chronic pain, making it a silent epidemic that drastically impacts their quality of life.
If someone you love is living with chronic pain, you know the emotional toll it can take to watch them suffer, feeling powerless to help. But be encouraged: you are not helpless. By educating yourself on chronic pain, you can take steps to help support your family member.
Understanding Chronic Pain in Older Adults
Chronic pain in older adults can result from a variety of conditions such as osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, or neuropathy. Unlike acute pain, which signals an injury, chronic pain can last for months or even years, many times without an identifiable cause. This ongoing pain can be incredibly damaging, leading to social isolation, a reduction in physical activity, and a diminished quality of life.
This condition is often underreported and undertreated. Many older adults think that pain is just a normal part of aging or worry about becoming dependent on pain medications, leading to inadequate pain management. This can exacerbate the issue and even cause other health problems such as decreased mobility and complications from inactivity.
Chronic pain is more than just physical discomfort. It can lead to fatigue, disrupted sleep, and problems with concentrating. Appetite changes can also occur, leading to nutritional deficiencies and weight loss.
Neuropathy, a common source of chronic pain in older adults, involves nerve damage that causes sensations that range from tingling and numbness to sharp, stabbing pains. Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spinal canal, can also cause significant pain, particularly in the back and legs.
How to Managing Chronic Pain
Managing chronic pain effectively requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Here are some suggestions to help:
- Medical treatments: Medications are often the first step in treating chronic pain. Options the doctor may recommend include over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or prescription medications. The doctor may also suggest exploring nerve blocks or epidural injections to target the source of the pain.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can be very effective for managing chronic pain. A customized exercise plan can help enhance flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain. Physical therapists can also teach techniques for moving more safely and comfortably.
- Lifestyle changes: Encouraging healthy lifestyle changes can make a tremendous difference. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular, physician-approved exercise. Activities like swimming or yoga can be especially helpful for managing pain.
- Alternative therapies: Many people with chronic pain find relief from alternative therapies like massage therapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic care. These treatments can provide significant relief from pain and improve overall well-being without the side effects of some medications.
Always talk with the person’s doctor before beginning any new treatments.
Advocating for Pain Relief
Your support is vitally important for a loved one with chronic pain. Advocate for them during doctors’ appointments to make sure their pain is taken seriously and properly addressed. Help them explore pain management options to find the best combination of treatments. Your compassion, patience, and support can make a big difference in their journey towards a more comfortable, fulfilling life.
How Advanced Home Health Care Can Help
At Advanced Home Health Care, our caregivers are extensively trained and experienced in caring for older adults who live with chronic pain. We offer accompanied transportation to medical appointments, meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, and many other services, including friendly companionship to make each day the best it can be.
You can reach us at 800.791.7785 to learn more about our home care services in Burlington, Keokuk, Fort Madison, and the surrounding areas.
