Alternate Pain Management and Intervention for Seniors

No one reaches a certain age without understanding that years of wear and tear on that body will obviously result in some form of pain or other. Many seniors report pain in joints, bones, muscles and even in their organs but, that is to be expected. Even the best of ‘well-oiled machinery’ begins to break down after years and years of use. Below we have listed  some alternate pain management suggestions for seniors that could help bring relief from chronic and ongoing pain. 

The Dangers of Pharmaceuticals

In younger adults, probably the biggest danger in pharmaceutical treatments is addiction. The majority of the most effective pain medications are narcotics which easily lead to abuse if not checked. Some doctors around the country have been summarily prescribing narcotics to anyone and everyone who has chronic pain but there are other interventional pain management procedures which could be just as, if not more, effective than dangerous pharmaceuticals.

That being said, most often the danger for seniors isn’t addiction but rather the wide array of side effects which can be worse than the pain in some cases. Watch any of the disclaimers on television and you’ll see just what those side effects can be. They range from mild stomach upset to death. Because of this, an increasing number of doctors and pain management specialists are utilizing alternative treatments including interventional pain management that doesn’t require the use of dangerous drugs over a long period of time.

Types of Alternative Treatments in Seniors

In the most recent advice coming from the American Geriatric Society, nothing of note was mentioned in regards to any type of treatment other than pain relievers. However, as noted by Steven A. King, MD in a publication of Consultant 360, previous advice emanating from that illustrious group did address several alternatives to pharmacological treatments.

Physical Therapy is one of the most common non-pharmacological treatments for pain in seniors and some senior centers have begun working with physical therapists and doctors to sponsor group sessions one or more days a week. But even so, these groups are often overseen by a medical doctor who ‘signs off’ on treatments week by week. Most often patients are seen in a PT clinic or pain management specialist’s office because it is easier to monitor progress and/or any setbacks that may occur.

Psychotherapy for the Reduction of Pain

In recent years, psychotherapy has been in use for the management of pain and this field is now becoming highly specialized within the senior population. Not only does psychotherapy help geriatric patients learn how to better cope with the pain they have but also has been proven to reduce the amount of pain they are experiencing. One of the most common problems that coexists with chronic pain in older Americans is depression, even when pain is effectively managed through other means. Getting old is depressing enough for some people, but getting old in pain is another matter altogether.

Acupuncture and TENS

Less common treatments for seniors include the ancient Eastern practice of acupuncture. Proven to be analgesic in nature, acupuncture can provide relief without the use of pharmaceuticals because it seeks to ‘treat’ specific nerves within the body that are the source of the pain. What many people find amazing is the fact that these nerves held to be responsible for pain aren’t necessarily located in the region of the body where pain is located. Anyone not familiar with acupuncture is always amazed at how affective this type of treatment can be when the nerve being treated is so distant from the location of the pain.

TENS is one of the more revolutionary means of treating chronic pain in the elderly and involves the stimulation of subcutaneous nerves. Sometimes this is done in Physical Therapy and other times it is part of a procedure within the office of a medical doctor specializing in pain management.

The one thing that is common among seniors is that many do experience aches and pains that they were never subject to earlier in life and as a result, it is hard to deal with on a number of levels. Sometimes the pain is simply excruciating and other times it is debilitating but has heavier psychological ramifications than those caused by the actual pain. No one wants to admit they are getting older and when severe chronic pain is present alongside a body that just doesn’t work as it once did, depression can set in which also needs to be treated. The best solution for chronic pain in the elderly is to seek proper medical attention by a medical professional, your doctor, your pain management specialist. Only a doctor can treat both the body and mind so bear this in mind before locating questionable alternatives. As the old cliché goes – better safe than sorry.