Chronic Pain: The Silent Epidemic in the Elderly
Chronic pain is an epidemic that is affecting the elderly. It is a widespread problem, but one you can manage with the right approach and treatment. The elderly population is multiplying, and chronic pain is a significant issue for them. It is estimated that 24–50% of seniors have chronic pain, so it is essential to understand what causes this epidemic and how it can be managed. Let’s see some causes of chronic pain as follows:
Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders are conditions that affect your nervous system. They can cause symptoms such as numbness, pain and weakness in different parts of your body. Some include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), infection or inflammation, and arthritis. It’s important to understand what type of pain you’re experiencing before starting treatment so your doctor can give you the proper treatment recommendation for managing it.
History of Injury or Surgery
This might be from an accident, surgery, or injection, such as an epidural. Injuries and surgery can cause damage to nerves, joints, and other tissues in the body that may lead to chronic pain if it affects the nervous system.
Cancer
Cancer can cause chronic pain in different ways. It can cause pain as it progresses, for example:
· Peripheral neuropathy
· Metastases or bone involvement
· Other nerve problems associated with cancer treatment.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in older adults, followed closely by osteoporosis. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both cause pain and stiffness in the joints, but they do so differently. Osteoarthritis usually affects weight-bearing joints such as knees and hips, while rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in your body. It weakens the bones leading to easy breakage.
Osteoporosis
In addition, medications such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often cause side effects that can lead to chronic pain. Osteoporosis causes chronic pain in older adults, particularly after trauma such as a fall or fracture. The bones become brittle when significant force is placed on them, like during a fall.
Conclusion
Chronic pain is a silent epidemic in our elderly population. It impacts the quality of life for the person with the condition and their family members. Some solutions can help you live a whole and healthy life.
At Jullieter Care, we believe in a patient-focused approach to treatment that focuses on sustainable relief from chronic pain, not just temporary fixes or quick fixes. We understand how hard it can be to find the proper treatment for your needs, and we want to ensure you have access to all the information you need to make an informed decision about your care. Please fill out this form below so we can get in touch with more details about your situation and help find options that are right for you!