Top 5 Pain Management Tips for Seniors

Millions upon millions of people suffer from chronic pain. However, it seems like the elderly bear the brunt of this affliction, mainly due to the effects that aging can have. Aging can have a tsunami effect on the body and can effect the bones, joints and muscles and can cause a number of diseases, like osteoporosis, which can cause excruciating pain. A whopping 88% of elderly people report some type of chronic pain. You might think that these are the years when you are supposed to enjoy your life the most, but pain can interfere in a number of different ways, like decreased social interactions and the inability to perform basic tasks, like walking to the post office to play a game of bridge with friends. Luckily, there are a number of ways to manage the pain. Here are 5 pain management tips for seniors.

1. Your first step is to visit a physician. At the first sign of any kind of pain it is recommended to see a doctor immediately. This can be especially important for the elderly, because it might be a more serious problem. If they diagnose you with some form of chronic pain as a result of an illness or affliction caused by age, they can prescribe you with anti-inflammatory and other pain medications that can help manage the pain.
2. Stimulate the muscles in the area where there is the most pain. You could find a massage therapist or a chiropractor that can help stimulate the area, which can help with bringing blood flow back to the area and the stimulation of nerves. When you become older sometimes your blood circulation doesn’t flow as efficiently as it used to and some areas of your body, especially your back, can respond by developing painful, reoccurring knots.
3. Next, it is always recommended by doctors to exercise. You can do this at a specific pain management center or your can find a gym in your area. It is important not to over exert yourself and to find exercises that help with managing your pain and not making it worse. One of the best ways to do this is with leg lifting exercises and laying on your back and lifting weights with your arms.
4. There are also a number of holistic remedies for pain management, like meditation or acupuncture. It is amazing what the powers of meditation can have on the body. The same goes for acupuncture. It is important to not just go with anyone who practices meditation or acupuncture. Be sure to do the research first and ask around. If you find an acupuncturist make sure they are licensed before they put any needles in your skin.
5. Lastly, swimming is an excellent way to manage pain in adults. Yes, swimming is a form of exercising, but just the act of floating in a pool and not putting any pressure on the bones or the muscles can be incredibly soothing. Any doctor will recommend swimming and the amazing healing powers it can have. If you have the means it might even be wise to build a pool right in your own backyard.