Chronic Back Pain in Seniors: 5 Easy Treatments

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Elderlink Home Care, Inc.

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Elderlink Home Care, Inc.

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Apr 09, 2024

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Colorado - Denver Metro

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Older adults can experience pain related to many different conditions. Back pain, in particular, has a variety of possible causes, though the most common causes of chronic back pain in seniors are osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. People over the age of 60 are more likely to experience back pain related to the degeneration of the joints in the spine. The good news is that there are also a variety of simple solutions that may help ease this pain.

Sometimes the simplest answer is the best, and in some cases, one little change can make all the difference. For others, a few adjustments to their habits or lifestyle can ease the discomfort.

There are other options besides surgery and prescription drugs.

Causes of Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a general term that means the swelling of a joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage at the joint wears down, leaving the bones without any protection against each other; it is the most common type of arthritis. It can occur at any joint in the body, though it is common in the spine.

When this happens, or if the cartilage is chipped or damaged on one side, the injured cartilage or the neighboring bone rub against the bone, causing further injury. This, along with the accompanying joint inflammation and muscle spasm, cause back pain.

Causes of Spinal Stenosis

This is a narrowing of the bone channel occupied by the spinal cord and nerves, which puts pressure on the nerves and can result in tingling, numbness, or pain. Spinal stenosis is related to osteoarthritis and degeneration of the spine and could show up in the fifth decade of life and continue through the years.

When the lower back develops lumbar stenosis, the spinal nerve roots in the low back become compressed and produce symptoms of sciatica—tingling, weakness, or numbness that radiates from the low back and into the buttocks and legs. This often gets worse with activity, which leads people to avoid movement and exercise.

Unfortunately, a sedentary lifestyle leads to additional health issues.

Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain in Seniors

Symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:
• Pain that is most pronounced in the mornings and evenings.
• Pain that interrupts sleep.
• Pain after activity.
• Tender when pressed against.
• Stiffness and loss of flexibility in the back (being unable to twist or bend comfortably at the waist).

Spinal stenosis often features slightly different symptoms:
• Leg and lower back pain after even a short walk.
• Lower back pain that is quickly relieved by sitting down.
• Weakness, numbness, and tingling that moves from the low back into the buttocks and legs (sciatica).

In both cases, symptoms ranging from mild to severe may start slowly and increase over time.

Simple, Natural Treatments for Chronic Back Pain in Seniors

1. New, High-Quality Mattresses:

All mattresses are not created equal! A high-quality mattress can offer huge relief for those experiencing back pain since old, worn-out mattresses do little to support the back or neck.

2. Better Diet:

Healthy fats (flaxseed oil, avocado oil, olive oil, etc), fruits, vegetables, nuts, ginger, garlic, oatmeal, and lean protein sources all help reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, dairy, pastries, red meat, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, refined grains, and any heavily processed foods are best to avoid because they increase inflammation in muscles and joints.

3. Yoga:

Many older adults have found the practice of yoga to work in their favor, particularly by practicing restorative yoga, a deeply relaxing approach to the traditional practice. Depending upon your range of motion and fitness level, you might also choose a gentle hatha yoga or chair yoga class. Studies have shown positive outcomes like decreased pain, increased the range of motion and a greater sense of well-being for people with back pain. John Hopkins offers more tips for doing yoga with arthritis.

4. Acupuncture:

This is a gentle, alternative medicine approach to help ease and treat the aches and pains in aging bodies. Instead of treating symptoms, acupuncture helps treat the pain source naturally, without the use of drugs.

5. Massage Therapy:

Pills can cause many side effects and long-term health problems when taken too frequently. Massage therapy improves circulation and reduces inflammation and swelling; studies have shown it to be effective in reducing chronic back pain, which may reduce a patient’s need for pain pills.

Treating chronic back pain in the elderly doesn’t always mean resorting to prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. There are all-natural alternatives that your caregiver may be able to help you try. Contact us today to learn more about in-home senior care.

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There are medical, environmental, logistical and mental/emotional components to consider when planning for your loved ones post-op recovery. From a medical standpoint, make sure you understand what medications theyll need to take and stock up on all necessary medications and supplies, such as bandages and wound dressings. Youll also want to prepare their home environment and modify any areas for safety or comfort during recovery. Coordinating logistics involves arranging transportation to and from surgery, as well as to follow-up appointments or additional therapy, if therapy isnt administered at home. And finally, make a plan to take care of the mental and emotional needs of your loved one during their recovery. 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In-home health care can include skilled nursing staff to assist with medications and wound care or professional in-home caregivers that help with activities of daily living, transportation needs and companionship. Navigating The Costs of Post-Surgery Home Care Post-surgery home care costs vary by care level, duration and location. To make the best choice for your situation, talk with a trusted professional for an assessment of your loved ones specific in-home care needs. There are a number of options that can make the cost of in-home care more affordable for those who need it, including private insurance and long-term care insurance (LTCI). Some individuals may also qualify for military benefits or PACE (Program All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). Discuss your options today with your current provider or one of our BrightStar Care professionals to discover what coverage options are available to you.Emotional and Social Support During Recovery While medical care and skilled nursing support is of great importance during post-op recovery, emotional and social support is equally important. Activities like reading, listening to music and creating art are all ways to create opportunities for mental stimulation. Companionship with friends, family, or a professional caregiver can all contribute to mental and emotional well-being and boost morale during your loved ones recovery.Tips for Taking Care of Seniors at Home After Surgery Understand and follow doctor's orders. The most important thing you can do is ensure you understand any post-op care instructions your loved one's doctor has prescribed. This is critical to their health and healing.Make sure they have plenty of fluids. Dehydration can be a common complication after surgery, so make sure your loved one drinks plenty of water, juice, and other fluids. Encourage them to move around as much as possible. Surgery can often leave seniors feeling weak and stiff, so encourage them to move around as much as possible, per doctors orders. This will help improve their mobility and reduce the risk of complications. Help them with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. These tasks can be difficult for seniors after surgery, so offer to help out as much as you can. Keep a close eye on their pain levels. Pain is often one of the biggest challenges for seniors after surgery, so make sure you are keeping a close eye on their pain levels and taking steps to manage it effectively. Enhance pain management. During recovery, there are additional ways to help minimize pain and complement prescribed pain relief. This includes using ice packs, supportive pillows and relaxation techniques. Make sure they get plenty of rest. Surgery can be exhausting, so make sure your loved one gets plenty of rest in the days following their procedure. Watch out for warning signs. Keep an eye on your loved one for signs of infection, such as fever, redness or swelling around the surgery site, or drainage from the wound. Assist your loved one with their medication schedule. Stay on top of daily medications as directed by the surgeon. Offer transportation. Transport your loved one to follow-up appointments and other medical appointments as needed. Check in on them regularly. It's important to keep an eye on your loved one's progress after surgery, so check in with them regularly to see how they're doing. If you notice any problems or concerns, don't hesitate to bring them up with their doctor. Following these tips can help ensure a smooth recovery for your loved one after surgery. With a little bit of help, they'll be able to return to their normal routine in no time.Common Post-Surgery Complications to Watch For During your loved ones recovery, its important to watch for any complications that could derail recovery or introduce new medical issues. Common post-op complications include infections, blood clots, and respiratory problems. Every surgical procedure carries its own risk of complications. Its important to consult with your surgeon and medical team to understand what potential complications may look like and know the appropriate steps to take. Long-Term Recovery Considerations While some post-op recovery is short-term, some people may have a longer period of recovery. A professional in-home caregiver can provide a level of ongoing care and peace of mind that supports necessary lifestyle changes long-term. Whether a need for more extensive care arises due to surgical complications or slower recovery due to aging or pre-existing conditions, long-term care can ensure your loved one receives the care they need and deserve regardless of the length of their recovery.Consider Transitional Post-Hospital In-Home Care Services with BrightStar Care The final step in taking care of seniors at home after surgery is ensuring they have enough support to safely transition to recovering at home. This includes help with things like bathing, grooming, and transportation. You may also need to help them with their medications and wound care. If your loved one doesnt have the extra care and support they need to make a successful transition at home, consider enlisting professional home care support from the RN-led team from BrightStar Care. We offer both long-term and short-term transitional care to help your loved one focus on their recovery and help ease the burden on families while their loved one adjusts. BrightStar Care staff ensures that your loved one receives the critical home health support they need, reducing the need for re-hospitalization, falls, medication mistakes, and mental stress which can delay healing or worsen health. With an in-home caregiver, your loved one will be monitored and cared for if and when you cant be there. Its not uncommon for seniors to assume they can do more than they safely can after a surgery. If they are alone, they can face the danger of falling without assistance, taking the wrong doses of medication without supervision, or simply slip into loneliness and depression. Making the decision to stay at home after surgery can be difficult, but with the right care and support, it can be a successful transition. If you are having difficulty providing this care yourself, consider enlisting BrightStar Care to provide the extra care and support your loved one needs to make a successful transition home. To learn more call, us at 303-300-6666.

Local Services By This Author

Elderlink Home Care, Inc.

Non-Medical 9878 West Belleview Avenue, Littleton, Colorado, 80123

For more than 37 years, Elderlink Home Care, Inc. has been offering metro-area seniors superior home care services. We are a family owned business and have spent the last three decades perfecting the art of home care and giving us the ability to provide you access to the best care available, at the best price available. At Elderlink Home Care, our team of caregivers is dedicated to offering you personalized care solutions that are tailored to your needs to ensure that you get the support that you need. We offer our services so that you can grow old in the manner of your choice, and in the comfort of your own home. We offer in-home care services to residents in the greater metro-Denver area.  Elderlink provides services that are tailored to meet the various needs of our clients. Caregivers are there to help with a number of tasks, including:Personal Care Assistance: Caregiver assist with all activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, toileting, ambulation, meal prep, light housekeeping, laundry, transportationm medication reminders and more. Companion Care: Elderlink Home Care gives companionship to seniors and other individuals who may be alone and without company. Caregivers participate in conversation, activities, and other forms of companionship that help with the emotional aspect.Respite Care: It is only normal for family caregivers to run out of steam and need some time off to attend to their own needs. Our services give family members a break from caregiving duties, giving them some much needed time off to rest and regroup while ensuring their loved ones continue to get the care they need.Post-Surgery and Hospital Discharge Care: After surgery or being discharged from the hospital, it can be a challenge for people to readjust to their daily activities. Elderlink offer post-surgery and hospital discharge care that entails helping with medications, mobility, and personal care to speed up the recovery process. Dementia and Alzheimers Care: For families who have dementia or Alzheimers disease, caregivers give kind and understanding care to help with symptoms, boost cognition, and prevent accidents.Chronic Condition Management: Caregivers are there to provide medication reminders and encourage activities that are healthy for people with diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic disease.End of Life Care: Elderlink dedicated to offering kind, considerate, and dignified end of life care to our clients and their families. Caregivers offer emotional and physical support as a way of helping you and your family through this hard time. Elderlink Home Care is proud to serve the Denver community and assist seniors to achieve their goal of living at home as they age. It is our passion to offer individualized care and kind service that has made Elderlink is a trusted choice for families in the Denver metro area. If you want to know more about our in-home care services or if you want to set up an appointment, please visit our website at www.elderlink.com or call us at 303-734-0641.   At Elderlink we are passionate about what we do and absolutely commited to providing you with a positive home care experience.