May is Older Adults Month, a time when we “recognize that older adults have built resilience and strength over their lives through successes, failure, joys and difficulties.”1 Among these challenges with many adults over 65 can be pain and pain management. According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study, data showed that more than half (53%) of the older adults surveyed reported having bothersome pain in the last month; three-quarters of them reported having pain in more than one location. Bothersome pain, particularly in multiple locations, also was associated with decreased physical capacity.2
What are some ways that this age group and their medical providers can manage their pain?
Exercise Program
Even light exercise can help reduce the effects of pain in aging adults. Some benefits include:
- Improving physical function
- Reducing isolation and depression
- Enhancing balance and mental acuity
At FX Spine & Performance Center, our CES certified Personal Trainer will develop individualized programs to meet your specific needs. We implement proper movements of exercise to reduce pain and stress, strengthen muscles, increase joint stability and improve posture.
Prior to developing a structured exercise program, we use Functional Movement Screening (FMS) to evaluate seven fundamental movement patterns in individuals with no current pain complaint or musculoskeletal injury. The FMS is not intended to diagnose orthopedic problems but rather to demonstrate opportunities for improved movement in individuals. Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) helps to expose possible asymmetries and pathological movement patterns, as the root cause of a painful problem. At FX Spine & Performance Center the SFMA enables Dr. DeAngelo to identify and treat regions in the body that lack mobility (range of motion), or stability (motor control), allowing for an accurate treatment to restore pain-free function and movement.
NSAIDS
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used commonly to treat musculoskeletal pain in older adults without heart or renal issues, over opioids for pain management. It is important to note that past medical history and current prescriptions should be reviewed to avoid potential adverse drug reactions (ADR) or drug-to-drug interactions.
Interventional Therapy
Interventional Therapy treats pain with minimally-invasive interventions. At FX Spine & Performance Center, we use fluoroscopic guided spinal injections, ultrasound guided MSK (musculoskeletal) and joint injections, and PRP Treatment (Platelet Rich Plasma) to diminish pain & improve quality of life.
Multidisciplinary Team
Dr. Nicholas DeAngelo focus is to improve patient’s pain and long-term function using multimodal therapies including physical, behavioral, and interventional therapy. In addition to communicating with your primary care provider, Dr. Nicholas DeAngelo recognizes the importance of a team that may include (but not all encompassing) a:
- Physical Therapist
- Mental Health Professional
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Weight Reduction Specialist
- Addiction Treatment Centers/Programs
Pain should not be considered a normal part of aging. If you are ready to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life, please reach out to us at 706-842-6800 to schedule a consultation.
1 https://acl.gov/oam/2021/older-americans-month-2021
2 Patel KV, Guralnik JM, Dansie EJ, Turk DC. Prevalence and impact of pain among older adults in the United States: findings from the 2011 National Health and Aging Trends Study. Pain. 2013;154(12):2649-2657.
