Pain in the elderly is often chronic non-malignant pain and is disproportionately under-treated for a variety of reasons. In a survey conducted by Partners Against Pain conducted in 2002, 2 about 33% in a sample of 1000 patients had debilitating pain, and often so bad they wanted to die. Many misconceptions abound.

What causes pain in the elderly?

Musculoskeletal disorders such as degenerative spine and arthritic conditions are the most common cause of chronic pain in the elderly . Other common causes of significance include neuropathic pain , ischemic pain , and pain due to cancer as well as its treatment [6].

What is the best pain medication for the elderly?

For mild pain, the most appropriate first choice for relatively safe analgesia is acetaminophen . For mild to moderate pain or pain uncontrolled with acetaminophen , the use of NSAIDs is appropriate.

How can I help elderly with chronic pain?

Treatment methods like exercise, medication, and therapy can all help reduce symptoms related to chronic pain . However, sometimes this is not always enough. If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic pain , it may be best to find help in the form of an assisted living facility.

What are some of the major problems for the older adult who suffers from untreated pain?

The elderly are often either untreated or undertreated for pain . The consequences of undertreatment for pain can have a negative impact on the health and quality of life of the elderly , resulting in depression, anxiety, social isolation, cognitive impairment, immobility, and sleep disturbances.

What causes muscle pain in elderly?

Causes of Aches & Pains as We Age Three major sources of physical pain for seniors are joint pain , muscle strains and trauma from falls and broken bones. We become more susceptible to these as we age because the risk of certain chronic conditions rises over time.

What causes aching legs in the elderly?

Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins or poor circulation.

How much Tylenol can an elderly person take?

The maximum daily dose for a healthy adult who weighs at least 150 pounds is 4,000 milligrams (mg). However, in some people, taking the maximum daily dose for extended periods can seriously damage the liver. It’s best to take the lowest dose necessary and stay closer to 3,000 mg per day as your maximum dose.

What’s the strongest over the counter painkiller?

Best First-Line Defense: Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets. Best Extra-Strength First-Line Defense: Tylenol Extra-Strength Caplets. Best Second-Line Defense: Advil Coated Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer Tablets. Best Second-Line Defense Runner-Up: Aleve Pain Reliever & Fever Reducer Caplets.

What can I use for severe pain?

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Acetaminophen: There are many different types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), some of them (such as ibuprofen) may be obtained over-the-counter. NSAIDs can be very effective for acute muscular and bone pain as well as some types of chronic pain syndromes.

Is gabapentin safe for seniors?

It may be reasonable to start older adults on a low dose of gabapentin , which can be effective to treat pain while exposing patients to a lower risk of adverse mental status side effects of gabapentin (dizziness, drowsiness and confusion)[7].

What drug should be avoided in geriatric patients?

AVOID products that contain the antihistamines diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (AllerChlor, Chlor-Trimeton). These medications are often included in OTC remedies for coughs, colds, and allergies. AVOID OTC sleep products, like Tylenol PM, which contain antihistamines such as diphenhydramine.

What helps back pain in the elderly?

6 things you can do to ease back pain Be more physically active. “Motion is lotion” for the spine , notes spine specialist E. Do physical therapy. Physicians can prescribe a back -healthy exercise program to help you gain strength, and improve balance and flexibility. Take medications. Apply cold. Apply heat. Rest up.

What happens if pain is left untreated?

Untreated pain has a profound impact on quality of life and can have physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences. Inappropriately managed acute pain can result in immunological and neural changes, which can progress to chronic pain if untreated [16].

What are the 4 types of pain?

THE FOUR MAJOR TYPES OF PAIN: Nociceptive Pain: Typically the result of tissue injury. Inflammatory Pain: An abnormal inflammation caused by an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system. Neuropathic Pain : Pain caused by nerve irritation. Functional Pain: Pain without obvious origin, but can cause pain.

What are the negative effects of pain on the body?

It can raise our blood pressure, increase our breathing rate and heart rate, and cause muscle tension. These things are hard on the body . They can lead to fatigue, sleeping problems, and changes in appetite.