Chronic pain is an all-too-common companion for many of us seniors, impacting our quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities. Whether it stems from arthritis, neuropathy, or other conditions, managing chronic pain requires a multifaceted approach tailored to meet our individual's needs.
Let’s explore the challenges of chronic pain we have.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is defined as persistent discomfort that lasts for weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning sign of injury or illness and typically resolves with time, chronic pain can be more complex and challenging to manage.
with us seniors, chronic pain is often associated with age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and degenerative disc disease.
The Impact of Chronic Pain on Seniors
Physical
Chronic pain can significantly impact our physical activities, like walking or cooking. We don’t feel like eating when we’re in pain. We lose our muscle and flexibility.
Social
It can impact our social life. When we are in constant pain, who needs to socialize and get out? Our friends and family don’t know or understand our pain, so why bother?
Mental:
It changes our mental attitude. We tend to get angry quicker. We snap at those we love as they are trying to help us. it can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression, affecting sleep patterns.
Tips for Managing Chronic Pain in Seniors
Consult with Healthcare Professional for what you want
The first step in managing chronic pain is to consult with healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, specialists, and pain management experts. They can conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the underlying causes of pain and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Explore Pain Management Techniques
Pain management techniques vary depending on the specialist yu go to. Some primary care or pain management doctors want to give you medication. Some orthopedic doctors want to do surgery. Some functional medicine doctors want to guide your lifestyle with better eating habits, weight loss, and stretching exercises. Some doctors just want to inject you with hormones.
So you get to pick what kind of treatment plan you would like to try.
Stay Active by stretching
Although chronic pain may make physical activity challenging, staying active is crucial for maintaining mobility and managing pain. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi can help improve flexibility, strength, and endurance without exacerbating pain. It's essential to start slowly and gradually increase activity levels under the guidance of a healthcare professional. These exercises as well as Julia Marie’s 30-day yoga challenge release your endorphins, raising your attitude and making you feel better.
Practice Good Posture and Body Mechanics
Poor posture and body mechanics can exacerbate chronic pain, especially if we have musculoskeletal conditions. Make sure you have good posture. (This will come with easy yoga). But more importantly, make sure you have a decent mattress. If you are waking up in the morning with a joint hurting, hello! That’s not on you. That’s a mattress problem. You wouldn't sit all day in a chair that hurts your back so why would you sleep on a mattress that does the same?
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
We are convinced here in our Senior Freedom Club that we deserve a healthy happy life after 50. We do not see life as a cycle of life but as a linear progression to better and better. As we reach for 20,000 super-senior members who want the most out of life, we also appreciate the example and legacy we are passing down to our children and grandchildren.
For our sons and daughters to be able to say, “Grandma and grandpa lived well into their 90s or 100s and were active, healthy, and amazing. I’ll do the same."
Utilize Assistive Devices
We use assistive devices for safety, not to do the job for us. Our strength keeps our attitudes up, our endorphins flowing, and our energy on high and we love it.
Seek Support and Stay Connected With the Right Person
Many of our super-ager members tell me they do not share their pain with their family and friends. Instead, they speak to their therapist about such matters. This way they don’t wear their friends and family down with negative complaints as they know they cannot do anything about it and they know they will eventually get tired of hearing it. A therapist gets paid to hear it and is the expert who can provide valuable emotional support and encouragement. Some Medicare programs pay for a counselor. Check yours out.
Be the Active Ingredient
So take an active role in your pain management. Find the right doctor who fits your needs. Get on a plan and try it for at least 6 weeks.
Don't give yourself excuses. Super-agers are free of pain by choice. They choose to define their life through healthy eating habits, exercise, stretching, and socializing with friends and family. They do not let chronic pain define their daily activities, family, or friends.
About the author: This author had suffered excruciating pain in the left shoulder from impingement and arthritis, and right knee pain from a torn meniscus for years. She finally took the advice she was giving her patients and members. She lost 30-plus pounds, started a daily yoga program, eats healthy foods 90% of the time, and found a mattress after 3 tries that finally does not hurt to sleep on. She is now pain-free. She had no surgery or medications. She skis, hikes, boats, bikes, and swims every week.
