Pain Is A Problem in Senior Health Care, One That Affects An Estimated 100 Million Americans – More Than Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Cancer Combined.
Pain is associated with a vast range of illness and injuries in senior health care. Sometimes, pain is a disease in and amongst itself. Some conditions may have related symptoms that come from a specific cause, such as postoperative pain or pain associated with a malignancy. There are conditions in which pain constitutes the primary problem, such as neuropathic pains or headaches.
In many cases, sufferers look to relieve their chronic pain by taking pain medication. Many depend on opioids – a group of narcotics that blocks the transmission of pain signals from the area of the body that hurts to the brain. This is opposed to healing or repairing the source of the pain. The use of opioids can have tragic consequences due to the physical dependence that can occur. More people in America now die from a drug overdose than in car accident. Studies show that 2 out of 10 people taking opioids will become addicted.
A sign of addiction is seeking opioids from multiple health care providers for pain-related symptoms. Other symptoms may include withdrawal, difficulty carrying out daily activities without the drug, and the willingness to do anything to obtain opioids. Opioids can be deadly. It is important to understand the potential for drug abuse before starting to take them. Seek help as soon as possible if there are any signs of addiction.
Pain Is Not A Natural Part of Aging
Considering that older people suffer most from arthritis, degeneration, and low back pain, it’s not surprising that they also account for an increasing percentage of those with opioid addiction. One study, for example, found that where 20 years ago only 7.8 percent of the total drug treatment population was comprised of individuals ages 50 – 59, that number is now 35.9 percent. While among those ages 60 – 69, the number jumped from 1.5 percent to 12 percent.
One of the biggest misconceptions of pain is that it is an inevitable part of growing older. Some conditions, such as osteoarthritis, are the result of wear and tear on the bones and joints may worsen with age. However, experts in senior health care say they are not powerless against discomfort. In fact, inaction can result in increased pain. There are often remedies available outside of medical intervention. Read more about how effective Physical Therapy May Help Seniors, especially in the case of osteoarthritis. Other alternative treatments can work wonders, including massage therapy and acupuncture.
Keep in mind the senior health care services that Hibernian Home Care can provide. Learn more about us and what makes us unique in the Home Care industry.
