5 Tips for Seniors With Chronic Pain

Be Honest With Your Doctor

Chronic pain is not something you have to go through alone. As a senior, you are more vulnerable to aches and pains than the average adult, and often these aches and pains do not go away with time. You don’t have to suffer quietly when you live with chronic pain. Talk to your doctor and be honest about how you feel. He can help diagnose the reason behind your pain and guide you toward a treatment that works for you.

Take Your Medications As Directed

As a senior, you are more vulnerable to medication side effects, drug interactions and withdrawal symptoms from stopping medications suddenly. To decrease your risk of harmful or unpleasant pain medication withdrawal effects, follow your doctor’s instructions as accurately as possible. If you find a medication is simply not working for you, or if you don’t want to take it any more, consult your doctor before making any changes on your own. This can save you from potentially deadly medical complications.

Use Your Assistive Devices

Many seniors feel that using a medical device like a walker or a cane makes them look old, or makes them a potential target for crime. However, such devices are intended to make your life easier and can save you pain in the long run. Using a walker widens your base of support, reducing your risk of falling. Using a chair in the shower can save your legs some work and help you avoid extra hip or back pain. If a doctor or therapist has prescribed a medical device, it is usually for good reason. Humor them and use it. You might find it makes your life easier and more pain-free.

Be Active, Within Reason

Seniors are usually more sedentary than younger adults. If you have chronic pain, it may be hard to motivate yourself to get up and exercise. However, regular activity keeps your muscles in better shape and your stamina up. You have heard the phrase “use it or lose it,” and it definitely applies here. Take up a water aerobics class, or go walking with some friends. Many senior centers offer activities that are not only good for your body, but also provide wonderful opportunities for social interaction.

Get Support By Talking to Friends or Peers

You are not alone: Up to 88% of seniors suffer from some form of chronic pain. Sometimes knowing someone else out there is feeling the same way can give you some peace of mind. Talk to your friends, or check out a local support group. Many pain support groups can be found online as well, such as the About.com Chronic Pain Forum right here on this site. Peers can provide a listening ear, give advice on what works for them or even refer you to a good pain specialist. Finding the support you need can get you on the road to coping with chronic pain.

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_Sources:

_{B. Sofaer, A. P. Moore, I. Holloway, J. M. Lamberty, T. A. S. Thorp and J. O’Dwyer. Chronic Pain as Perceived By Older People: a Qualitative Study. Age and Ageing Advance Access published online on July 25, 2005.}

_{Daniel A. Monti, M.D. and Elisabeth J. S. Kunkel, M.D. Practical Geriatrics: Management of Chronic Pain Among Elderly Patients. Psychiatric Services 49:1537-1539, December 1998}

_{Gagliese L, and Melzack R. Chronic Pain in Elderly People. Pain. 1997 Mar;70(1):3-14}