Cumulative wear and tear
on our bodies over the years can take a toll on our back. Among all the aches and pains that plague seniors,
the back can be a chronic complaint with periods of recovery and
reoccurrence. Almost 70% of older adults
are thought to suffer from back pain at one time or another.
You should have your
doctor rule out whether your pain is a symptom of an underlying condition or is
really a problem with the back. Seniors frequently
suffer from what is known as uncomplicated mechanical low back pain. It is pain that is centered in the lumbar and
affects a patient’s movements. Pain can
be triggered by everyday activities such as walking, bending, and stretching. The treatment for this type of back pain can
be 48 hours of bed rest (it is not advised to stay in bed for more than that as
back muscles weaken when they are not being used) muscle relaxers, or pain
medications.
The sciatica can cause back
pain and is distinguished by sharp, shooting pains or tingling that radiates
down one leg. The pain occurs when the
nerves become compressed in the lower spine.
Sciatica can be severe and incapacitating at the time, but does not usually
result in permanent damage and resolves itself in a few days. It is treated with heat/ice and pain
medications.
Patients suffering from
chronic back pain can be helped by occupational and physical therapy. Therapists educate patients on how to lift
and move objects properly, practice better posture, and learn to do everyday
tasks so as not to put stress on the back. Some patients seek alternative treatments to find
relief such as chiropractic manipulations, while for others, mediation or
relaxation techniques have proven to be successful. Other forms of treatment include massages or
acupuncture.
Stretching along with
exercises that improve flexibility is a good idea and will help your back. Stick to low-impact forms of exercises such as
walking, yoga, or swimming. Walking is
an easy to do, inexpensive way to strengthen your back muscles as well as legs
and abdomen.
Prevention is important in
back health. Be sure and bend your legs
when you pick up objects and keep the back straight; do not bend from the
waist. Concentrate on carrying yourself
well, and if you sit for long periods of time, be sure and get up every so
often and move around. Always wear
comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
This post is intended
for informational purposes only. Please
contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have
regarding your health.
At MorningStar of Fountain Hills, we exemplify the best in senior living with our unique mission
statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.”
Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and
selecting staff with a felt calling to serve…all of which contributes to
creating a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. We invite you to schedule a visit to experience
our newly opened assisted living community in the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills
area.
