Comfort Keepers In Home Elderly Care in Walnut Creek, CA: Chronic Pain In Seniors: Causes & Treatment
Learn more about the in home elderly care offered to you by Comfort Keepers of Walnut Creek, CA
Living with chronic pain can severely affect almost any sphere of a person’s life. In home elderly care experts know that seniors suffering from chronic pain can develop mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression due to the constant pain that interferes with their daily routine. As a result of pain, older adults can also withdraw in themselves, avoiding leaving the home or socializing with family and friends. Chronic pain can also make it difficult to move or perform even the simplest activities such as getting dressed or preparing a meal. If left untreated, chronic pain can dramatically reduce life quality in seniors, ultimately leaving an older person unable to take care of themselves.
In Home Elderly Care Experts Discuss Acute Pain Vs. Chronic Pain
There is a major difference between acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain, which is typically short-term pain, can develop following a major medical procedure or an injury sustained from a fall, for example. While acute pain can cause great distress, it usually resolves itself as the person heals. With chronic pain, the situation is different, as it can last for many months without any signs of it resolving. In some cases, its duration can be measured in years. Naturally, this can have grave effects on a person, not just in terms of physical health but also mental.
Causes Of Chronic Pain
Commonly, chronic pain is directly connected to an illness that may not have been diagnosed or treated or to a disease that is incurable and progressive. The most common underlying causes of chronic pain are arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, nerve damage, migraines or headaches, and back issues. Other causes of chronic pain include past injuries and infections. However, bear in mind that chronic pain doesn’t necessarily have to be related to another medical condition, meaning there are instances where medical professionals simply do not know what caused chronic pain.
Treating Chronic Pain
Fortunately, in home elderly care experts know there are many ways to relieve and treat chronic pain. In addition to treating the underlying condition, doctors also prescribe medications that can drastically reduce pain. Physical therapy and light exercise regimes are also known to help relieve chronic pain, but they must be performed in accordance with the instructions provided by a professional in the field. Surgery can also be a viable option sometimes. For seniors who would like to try an alternative approach to treating chronic pain, acupuncture, spinal manipulation or meditation may prove to be an adequate solution.
Comfort Keepers Can Help
If your loved one has chronic pain, our in home elderly care experts can offer assistance and support that can allow them to continue living independently at home and reduce pain in the long run. With our help, your parent can work on gradually resolving pain and enjoy a higher quality of life. Contact us today to find out more about how we can be of assistance or schedule a free at-home consultation. We are here for you!
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/understanding-pain-management-chronic-pain#1
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-persistent-pain-in-older-adults
https://www.spine-health.com/glossary/acute-pain
https://www.seniorliving.org/healthcare/pain-treatment-for-seniors/
