Back pain can be debilitating even if you’re young and active. It affects your physical condition, and can have a negative impact your focus and concentration. The soreness and discomfort influences your mood and energy level, too. That’s why adults suffering from back pain can have problems not only with their health, but also with their performance at work and their personal relationships.
The same set ofproblems can be experienced by older individuals suffering from back pain, but to a higher and more complicated degree.Medical conditions that come with ageplus the usual consequences of aging can make back pain a common condition among people aged 60 and above. Because aging might slow down the body’s capability to heal and recover from injury and illness, back pain among the elderly should be closely monitored and considered for treatment at the first sign of discomfort.
If you’re taking care of an elderly loved one who may be suffering from back pain, here are some basic principles of effective back pain care New York City experts reveal:
Be a good listener. Many caregivers tend to dismiss talks of back pain, as they sometimes think that it’s just a “normal” part of aging. On the contrary, it’s important to listen intently when back pain is reported. Understanding the pain is the first step to managing it properly.
Get help from a doctor. Some types of back pain can go away with simple at-home methods, such as taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and getting plenty of rest. But you can’t simply give an elderly person some random pain pill, as this might be interfering with current medications or may not be suitable for an existing condition. Make sure to get help from a trusted pain relief center for safe and sure pain control.
Monitor and document the progress. If the doctor prescribed medication but it didn’t do anything to lessen the pain (or seemed to make it even worse), make sure to report this immediately.It also helps to observe the person’s behavior, sleeping and eating patterns as it may help the doctor or pain center determine the right treatment plan according to the specific situation.
Know how to identify a medical emergency. Don’t wait until the pain comes to a point when it seems too much to bear. Drastic changes in sleeping and eating may mean the pain is too severe. Weight loss, accidents and falls, anxiety or depression can be signs, and at the same time consequences, of improperly managed back pain among the elderly.
Don’t take chances when it comes to back pain among senior adults. Improve their chances of relief and recovery for the long term by working with trusted back pain specialists in your area.
