HealthSource Chris Tomshack | Back Pain Treatment and Prevention for the Elderly
Growing old gracefully is easier said than done, especially when you are feeling the creaks and pains associated with the process. On top of everyday wear and tear on the spine, age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia can make elderly individuals more vulnerable to the injuries that cause back pain. Back Pain Treatments for the Elderly Because the elderly are more likely to take medications to manage a number of age-related ailments, treating back pain with anti-inflammatory drugs, and other pain relieving medicines can put them at risk for dangerous drug interactions. For this reason, drug-free alternatives are ideal for the elderly. Some of these natural treatment options for back pain include acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and massage. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that uses the insertion of needles in the body to restore energy balance, and release natural pain killers. Hydrotherapy can include anything from soaking in a warm bath, to applying ice or heat packs to the affected area. Ice reduces inflammation, and heat relaxes muscle spasms, and relieves tension in the back. Massage improves circulation, and relaxes tense muscles. Licensed massage therapists are qualified to administer massages to relieve back pain; however, elderly individuals with health problems such as cancer, or blood clots should talk to a doctor before getting a massage. Elderly Back Pain Prevention Methods As you get older, the discs in the spine dry out, and lose flexibility. The range of motion in the spine is also decreased. Stretching is important because the more flexible your spine is, the less likely you are to get injured from everyday bending and twisting movements. A lot of elderly people suffer with joint problems and are often resistant to doing exercises that aggravate this ailment. But exercises such as yoga and Pilates don’t place any pressure on the joints, and are ideal for increasing flexibility in the elderly. Exercises that activate muscles in the midsection are important to properly support the spine and back. Walking, biking, and low impact aerobics can work the abdominal muscles, and keep them strong. Swimming is also a wonderful way to get the exercise you need without placing stress on the joints. Age-related conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis not only cause degenerative effects on the body, these conditions also cause bones to be brittle, and makes them more prone to fractures. Eating a healthy diet that’s rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium can keep your bones strong and minimize the risk of spine fractures. The best way to prevent back pain during old age is to take care of your body while you are young. But it’s never too late to start taking care of your health. So no matter how old you are, eat right, and exercise to minimize your risk of back pain. Even with the healthiest lifestyle, there is no guarantee that you won’t suffer from back pain at some point during your “golden years.” So if back pain strikes, in addition to eating right, and exercising, consider one of the many drug-free treatment options such as massage, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy.