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How to Manage Back Pain in Seniors
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June 24, 2019How to Manage Back Pain in Seniors
Back pain is common in older adults. It can happen because they lifted something incorrectly or because they have arthritis in their back. No matter what causes the pain, it can be difficult to live with and make the older adult limit their activity.
Home Care Services Northridge CA – How to Manage Back Pain in Seniors
While your aging relative should see a doctor if they suffer from any kind of chronic pain, there are also things that can be done at home to manage back pain, such as those listed below.
Use Ice
If the back pain is the result of an injury, applying an ice pack can be helpful in the first day or two. Ice helps to reduce inflammation. Don’t use heat during this time even if it feels good to the senior. Heat can promote inflammation. After the first 48 hours, you can use a hot pack if that feels better to them. Whether using heat or cold, it should be applied for only 20 minutes at a time, then give the skin a rest.
Use Pillows to Support the Spine
If your aging relative normally sleeps on their back, they may be putting pressure on their spine. Try placing a pillow under their knees to reduce the pressure. If they sleep on their side, putting a pillow between their knees may help.
Encourage Activity
Remaining still may feel better than moving, but it can also make pain worse and last longer. The older adult should get up and move around as much as possible, doing their regular daily activities. It’s okay to take a break from any serious strain, like an exercise routine, but being too still should be discouraged.
Use an Over the Counter Rub or Medication
Taking a pain killer or rubbing on some pain relief cream can help to ease the pain. Just be sure to talk to the older adult’s doctor before using them since they could interfere with other medications.
Wear the Right Shoes
Wearing shoes with the right sized heal and that support the feet can also help support the health of the back. Shoe heels should be 1 inch or less since any higher than that puts the back into an unstable position.
A home care services provider can help your aging relative to relieve back pain. A home care services provider can help them to apply a hot or cold pack by preparing it and getting it into the proper position. Home care services providers can also help the older adult to get comfortable in bed by positioning pillows. And, home care services providers can encourage the senior to get up and move around a bit, so their back does not get too stiff.
Sources: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/features/manage-low-back-pain-home
https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain-management
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322582.php
