Chronic pain is a common condition among seniors. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a little over 20% of adults in the United States experienced chronic pain in 2021.
Everyone feels pain at some point. Pain is considered chronic if it lasts for more than three months. Some patients feel it constantly, while others report that it comes and goes.
Pain is a signal to the body that something is wrong. It helps a person address a medical condition or injury. However, when it happens all the time and over long periods, it can diminish a person’s quality of life. Finding ways to manage chronic pain is essential to comfort.
Senior citizens have a higher risk of chronic pain. This occurs for several reasons:
- Seniors have a higher risk of conditions that cause chronic pain, like osteoarthritis
- Chronic pain is often underreported and undertreated among senior populations
- Age-related changes can cause inflammation that leads to chronic pain
Chronic pain doesn’t come from one disease. Many illnesses can cause it, including several that are common among older adults.
- Arthritis and Joint Pain
Seniors have a higher risk of arthritis, which is a common cause of chronic pain. General joint pain can also be felt due to aging.
- Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain, or nerve pain, can occur due to conditions like arthritis and diabetes. It can also happen due to age-related nerve degeneration and nerve compression.
- Cancer
Seniors have a higher risk of cancer, which can cause chronic pain. Cancer pain can happen due to pressure placed on tissues and nerves. It can also be a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
- Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. The cause is unknown, although there are some theories that it happens due to genetics and environmental factors.
- Back Pain
Back pain can occur due to wear on the spine. Common causes of chronic back pain include osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
- Migraines and Headaches
Older adults can experience migraines and headaches. This can be the result of side effects from medication. Migraine symptoms can change with age.
- Neck Pain
Just like back pain, neck pain can occur due to wear on the spine or due to conditions like arthritis.
What to Do If I Feel Chronic Pain?
Seniors who experience chronic pain shouldn’t ignore it. Pain is an indication that something is wrong and should be investigated further. It’s possible that there may be medication or treatment that can help stop it.
Talk to a doctor to determine what is going on. They can recommend tests to find the root cause and create a treatment plan to help address it.
Start with your primary care physician. If the situation doesn’t improve, you may need to consult a pain specialist. You may be advised to undergo therapy, such as physical or occupational therapy.
Seniors should always follow their doctor’s advice. Let your medical professional know right away if the pain worsens.
How to Manage Chronic Pain in Assisted Living
Your doctor should be an active participant in your chronic pain management plan. They should be consulted before making any significant changes to your lifestyle or activity.
The following list includes suggestions to help with chronic pain management.
Increase Activity Levels and Maintain Fitness
Staying physically fit will help reduce everyday pain and discomfort. Learning how to ease into a more active senior lifestyle can significantly improve quality of life.
Exercise won’t fix every problem, but it can help alleviate pain. Perform activities that are safe based on your physical status. Seniors who struggle with mobility limitations should try seated exercises that are suitable for their ability level.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Keeping your body in optimum condition will go a long way in reducing pain. Consider your current lifestyle and look for ways to make it healthier. Do you smoke or drink? Do you eat a lot of fatty or sugary foods?
Changes don’t have to happen all at once. Instead, try making smaller improvements to gradually become healthier.
Seniors in assisted living have the benefit of staff who prepare and serve food. Most facilities will create a meal plan that is ideal for nutrition and health.
Stick to Your Medication Schedule
Stick with your medication schedule as directed by your doctor. Keeping up with treatment will help manage the conditions that cause chronic pain.
Your doctor may prescribe medications specifically for pain management or recommend over-the-counter medication. Common prescriptions for chronic pain include antidepressants, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Seniors should always be aware of potential side effects and interactions when taking medications for pain.
Medication should be used along with a healthy lifestyle. Seniors can also try these 8 things you can do now to alleviate arthritis pain.
Undergo Psychological Therapy for Pain Management
Chronic pain is a very physical feeling. However, there are ways to use mental awareness and techniques to manage it. Seniors should consider trying psychological therapy for pain management as another way to get relief.
This type of therapy addresses the emotional as well as physical effects of chronic pain.
A psychologist will begin by discussing your physical and mental health. They will ask about your pain with details about when and how it occurs. They will also listen to your concerns about dealing with it.
A personalized pain management plan is created to help address the patient’s unique needs and concerns. The plan will focus on changing beliefs about pain, learning relaxation techniques, and developing coping skills. It will also help address depression or anxiety that may stem from chronic pain.
Seeing a psychologist helps seniors develop a well-rounded plan for managing chronic pain.
Assisted Living Helps Seniors with Chronic Pain
Assisted living residents have access to services that help manage pain. These facilities provide a support system that connects residents with care providers to improve quality of life.
Living in Woodhaven Retirement Community makes life easier with food, housekeeping and laundry services. Seniors don’t have to handle the everyday tasks that cause flare-ups or are made more difficult with chronic pain.
