The most important aspect of pain management for any person is safety. For elderly individuals, this is crucial to relieving pain and improving their quality of life. Pain management can only be effective if the patient is educated about their recovery plan and how they can participate in it, as well.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we teach pain management and pain education to all of our patients; no matter their age. Elderly individuals deserve specific care and our medical staff takes special precautions when helping these patients. With four locations across Utah, in Richfield, Cedar City, St. George, and Logan, Southwest Spine and Pain Center is the best pain management facility in the entire state.
Many people believe that pain is a normal part of the aging process. Because of this, older adults tend not to report their pain symptoms to their doctors. Maybe pain can’t be eliminated completely, but it can certainly be controlled so that normal activities feel normal again.
If you are unsure where your pain stems from, try keeping a pain diary to help find the cause. Many of us can’t even remember what we had for dinner the day before, so don’t feel discouraged. Sometimes we overlook the smallest details that can be the key to uncovering the root of our pain. A pain diary may help track pain cycles and determine how long and how often the pain symptoms last for.
While reporting in the diary, keep a pain scale readily available. By scoring your pain from 0-10 (0 being no pain, 10 being the worst possible pain), doctors can better determine which treatment plan would be most efficient and most beneficial.
Older adults face a higher risk of side effects from medications. Some individuals take multiple prescriptions a day, and are also at a higher risk for negative interactions between medications. Even nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can manipulate the effectiveness of other medications. Based on an evaluation and recommendation from a doctor, older adults can seek pain relief from the following options:
- Heat/ice application- 15 to 20 minutes every hour to decrease swelling and pain
- Rehabilitation exercises with an occupational therapist to improve movement and strength
- Assistive devices- cane, walker, or crutches to decrease the risk of falling
Don’t just assume that your pain is present because of your older age. Pain can be the sign of a severe problem and should be treated immediately. For more information about how the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center can help with your pain, call us and schedule an appointment.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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