Is Your Elderly Relative Living With Chronic Pain?

Updated on February 24, 2021

Getting the odd ache and pain is part and parcel of getting older, and your loved one may be finding they’re struggling more than ever with sore muscles and joints. Chronic pain can however, be debilitating, which can lead to depression if it is not managed effectively. A traditional remedy was to simply stay in bed for several weeks in order to get the rest required, however, this is certainly not the best idea, as it can cause the joints to cease up and potentially cause your loved one to become immobile. In this guide, we’re going to look at some of the key factors you should keep in mind as to how you can help your elderly relative live with chronic pain:

Chiropractor

One of the most common methods of dealing with chronic pain is to visit a chiropractor. The professional is skilled with their hands to help relieve tension and pain in the joints and muscles. Although this isn’t a standard treatment that a GP may suggest, it can certainly improve the quality of life of elderly individuals who are unable to move freely due to their ailment and can potentially allow them to become more agile over time. Check out deep rooths nwa here!

Exercise

If your elderly relative is able, it would be wise to encourage them to be as active as they can throughout their daily life, without the risk of putting too much strain on joints and muscles and leading to further injury. The amount and type of exercise they take on will of course depend on their age and capabilities, but some examples to consider include:

GPs often recommend exercise as a remedy for chronic pain, as scientific research has shown that it can lessen inflammation in the muscles and joints, enhance agility and potentially reduce pain levels without the need for medicine. 

Painkillers

It’s likely that your elderly relative’s GP will have already suggested over-the-counter medications, but if you haven’t yet got to that point, it would certainly a wise option to keep their pain to a minimum. Some recommended medications include paracetamol and ibuprofen, which are intended to reduce inflammation. Do be aware, however, that certain painkillers can have side effects. In the event that your relative has been taking painkillers for several weeks but has not received any relief, it would be wise to seek the assistance of a GP on the next steps.

Encourage them to try new hobbies

One of the main reasons why your elderly relative is feeling intense pain constantly is due to the fact that they have nothing else to keep their mind occupied. Sitting for hours at a time ultimately puts a focus on their aches and pains, so it would be a good idea to encourage them to take part in hobbies, if they are able. This could involve knitting or even participating in social events if they are a resident at a care home, which would give them some structure to their day and keeps their brain engaged.

There you have it – practical steps to make living with pain a little bit easier.

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