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.
There are 3 comments on this post
April 02, 2018
I’m 70 years old. In 2005 I was hit by a van while riding my bicycle. I year later and medically tested as having severe chronic pain a neuro surgeon did a double fusion. It only increased my pain. I always was very athletic and played most sports hiking sailing traver etc. from 2005 to Jan 2020 I received 200 mcg of fentanyl every two days. I was able to move function and sleep most days. Since Jan of 2020 I can no longer move function or sleep if I move rake leaves play with my 6 grandkids travel sit stand for more than 30 min. If I walk in level ground for 30 min I will not sleep for 2-3 nights. Since 3005 the more I do the more it hurts. I was genetically tested as not having addiction tendencies. I’ve never been an addict or smoker or alcoholic. I took fentanyl for 15 years with no problems. Now nothing helps and no pain specialist in St . Louis will treat me. I have no life. I need help. Please help me and millions like me. I’m a teacher coach team builder manager with education common sense and high intelligence. I have failed this 2020 year to find help or live a tiny bit of normal life. I’m so hurt and know so many others worse off. One has taken his life. An injured war vet due to pain and know life. I’ve gained 50 lbs. of fat I’m high risk and spend 98% of my life on my back with pillows under my knees. Why and Why so many others must now suffer in the final years of life. I still have a lot I could give but lack of movement had destroyed my body and will take my life much too soon.
Richard Mueller
April 02, 2018
My doctor prescribed an Anti-inflammatory that work better than any narcotic.
April 02, 2018
What was the anticipated inflammatory med rhe doc gave you and did the man innthe comment that had taken Fentanyl and was a coach ever get relief and help…that’s sad.
April 02, 2018
I’m so sorry for your pain. I’m 78 years old and still working as a psychotherapist online. I’ve had lower back
pain for the past 10 years. Sometimes it’s unbearable and sometimes it’s tolerable. I do stretches and go
to a chiropractor. I also have a message chair and
sometimes I go for a live message. I force myself to
walk. My wife and I go square dancing a couple of
Times a week. I use diclofenac a prescription medication along with Noni lotion. All of this is very helpful. My chiropractor says motion is lotion. I believe him. The more active I am the less pain I have.
Psychology Today under Geneva, NY 14456
Joseph P. Carlino LCSW-R
Psychotherapist
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