
No one wants to deal with pain, definitely not one that’s constant and affects their quality of life.
When it comes to older adults, pain can be a constant part of their daily lives. This makes chronic pain management in the elderly extremely important.
Chronic pain in the elderly affects their physical abilities and emotional and mental health. The uncertainty of when the pain will end, the dependence on people and drugs, and the physical limitations are some of the negative impacts of chronic pain.
Chronic pain management in the elderly involves a combination of different approaches. These could be pharmacological or non-pharmacological. This means that it can either involve the use of drugs or not.
However, for pharmacological or drug-related interventions, it is crucial to be aware of the potential for adverse drug interactions.
Effective chronic pain management in the elderly promotes independence, enhances mobility, and improves overall well-being.
Definition of Chronic Pain
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronic pain is a recurrent or intermittent pain that persists for more than three months.
This means that the pain can be constant or on and off, but as long as it persists for more than three months, it is considered to be chronic pain.
Chronic pain can result from an illness, accident, or chronic medical conditions. Sometimes, it could result from an unknown cause.
However, regardless of the exact cause or lack of a cause, chronic pain can often interfere with a person’s daily life, affecting their physical, emotional, and mental health.
Diseases Associated with Chronic Pain in the Elderly
Diseases associated with chronic pain in the elderly, including:
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Although there are many different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common type in older adults.
Osteoarthritis causes joint wear and tear, leading to increased friction between the bones. This causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, making movement difficult.
2. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is not fully understood yet. However, it is known to cause widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.
It is usually diagnosed in middle age, and the symptoms can persist and become a source of chronic pain in the elderly. The pain is often described as a constant dull ache that can occur on both sides of the body.
3. Neuropathy
Neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves. It results from nerve damage caused by other illnesses like diabetes, infections, or injuries. It is particularly common in older adults with diabetes.
4. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. This can increase the risk of fractures, which can be painful even after healing. Osteoporosis is more common in older adults, especially women.
Benefits of Effective Chronic Pain Management in the Elderly
Here are some significant benefits of chronic pain management in the elderly:
1. Improved quality of life
Effectively managing pain can improve one’s quality of life.
When pain is reduced, older adults can enjoy daily activities more, sleep better, and have a more positive outlook. Without pain, they can live life to the fullest.
2. Increased independence
Pain can often limit an older adult’s ability to perform daily tasks, leading to dependence on others.
Effective pain management can help seniors regain independence in tasks like dressing, bathing, and preparing meals. This makes them feel self-sufficient, increases their independence, and boosts self-esteem.
3. Enhanced social participation
Chronic pain can lead to social isolation as seniors may avoid social activities due to discomfort or limited mobility.
Managing pain effectively in the elderly can motivate them to participate more fully in social events, connect with friends and family, and re-engage in hobbies they had initially abandoned due to pain.
4. Improved mental health
One of the more devastating impacts of chronic pain on the elderly is how it affects their mental health. The constant pain, dependence on drugs, and loss of social life are some of the reasons why their mental health can be affected.
However, with effective pain management strategies, seniors can experience a significant improvement in their mood, emotional well-being, and overall mental health.
5. Enhanced physical function
Effective pain management can improve mobility, flexibility, and strength, making it easier for seniors to engage in physical activities and maintain an active lifestyle.
This can help prevent falls, improve balance, and promote their physical health.
Tips for Chronic Pain Management in the Elderly
Here are some of the best practical tips for chronic pain management in the elderly:
1. Regular exercise
While exercising when you’re in pain might seem counterproductive, starting slowly and gradually increasing your activity can reduce pain over time.
Gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can help strengthen muscles, release endorphins, and increase flexibility.
Before starting any new exercise program, talk to your doctor or a physical therapist to ensure it is safe and appropriate.
2. Healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet is vital at any age, but it’s especially crucial for chronic pain management in the elderly.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to pain.
It’s also a good idea to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol, as these can worsen inflammation and increase pain.
Staying hydrated is also vital for joint health and overall well-being.

3. Adequate sleep
When we’re in pain, it can be hard to sleep well, but lack of sleep can make pain feel even worse. It’s a vicious cycle!
However, most pain management tips are ineffective in isolation. Combining several can help reduce pain and promote a good night’s sleep.
Try to establish a regular sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
If you’re still having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. They can suggest some helpful ways to increase your sleep quality.
4. Stress management techniques
Stress can increase pain, so finding ways to manage it is crucial.
You can try many techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or doing things you enjoy, like gardening or listening to music.
A few minutes of relaxation daily can make a big difference. It’s all about finding what works best for you and making it a routine.
5. Prescription medications
The use of prescription medications in pain management is known as pharmacologic pain management.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts with lifestyle changes, medication may be necessary to manage chronic pain.
However, when it comes to drug usage, you should work closely with your doctor to determine the most appropriate medication for your specific needs.
Various pain medications are available, and your doctor can help you find the one that provides the most relief with the fewest side effects.
Following a doctor’s prescription is especially important in the elderly because, due to the occurrence of some age-specific medical conditions, the possibility of two drugs reacting together or using two different drugs with the same function is higher.
6. Massage therapy
Massage therapy can be another effective tip for chronic pain management in the elderly. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can further contribute to pain relief.
A skilled massage therapist can help release muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.
This can particularly benefit older adults with arthritis or other musculoskeletal conditions.
7. Mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness practices involve focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment. It hugely focuses on the positive aspects of life (especially your body) while attempting to eliminate the negative sides.
Mindfulness and meditation can help reduce pain perception by shifting your attention away from the pain and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
There are many different mindfulness and meditation practices, so you can find one that resonates with you.
8. Water therapy
Water therapy involves using water to treat various health conditions.
It covers exercises and movements performed in water (e.g., a pool) and can be used with physical therapy to manage pain.
The buoyancy of water relieves pressure on joints, making it easier to move and exercise without much pain.
Water, or aquatic therapy, can improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It is beneficial for people with arthritis or other joint problems.
9. Join a support group
Dealing with chronic pain can sometimes feel isolating, so joining a support group can be incredibly helpful.
It’s a chance to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, share experiences and tips, and offer each other support and encouragement.
Knowing you’re not alone can improve your outlook and help you cope with pain more effectively.

10. Consider complementary therapies
Various complementary therapies can be helpful in chronic pain management in the elderly.
These can include acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, and tai chi, a gentle exercise involving slow, flowing movements.
Other complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and heat therapy, are known to reduce pain, lessen the need for pain medications, and improve sleep quality.
However, research and talk to your doctor before trying any complementary therapies.
11. Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy or psychotherapy that works to change how a person behaves or thinks.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for pain management focuses on helping to change how you think about pain. Sometimes, our thoughts about pain can make it feel worse.
CBT helps you identify and replace negative thought patterns with more positive and helpful ones. It also teaches you coping skills to manage pain flare-ups and improve your overall mood.
It’s like retraining your brain to handle pain differently.

Conclusion
Effective chronic pain management in the elderly is necessary to promote independence, enhance quality of life, and foster a sense of well-being.
Embracing the holistic approach incorporating lifestyle modifications, manual therapy, and complementary therapies can help seniors achieve significant pain relief and improve their overall function.
Most physical therapists will develop a personalized approach tailored to the individual’s needs and preferences. This increases the effectiveness of physical therapy in the management of chronic pain.
Other chronic pain management tips, like the use of acupuncture, water therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy, have been shown to reduce chronic pain in the elderly.
However, the bottom line is to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure you can advocate for your health and express yourself as much as possible.
This also goes a long way in ensuring the effectiveness of chronic pain management in the elderly.
Serenity Pas Therapy offers a variety of pain management techniques, including manual therapy, modalities, and therapeutic exercises.
READ MORE: TOP 13 HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY FOR SENIORS