Seniors and Back Pain

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.