Back issues can start at any age, but seniors who suffer from back pain might need specific support, such as home care assistance, to help them get through the day. This support helps seniors manage day-to-day tasks easier, offers suggestions for back pain relief, and provides resources to help seniors understand their back issues. With the right support in place, seniors might even see their back pain subside so they can enjoy activities they might have pushed to the side.
Which Back Problems Are Common Among Seniors?
As mentioned, back issues can start at any age, but for seniors, there are several common issues that stand in their way. For instance, osteoarthritis is a frequent condition that results in stiffness and irritation in the spine’s joints. It may be difficult to carry out daily duties due to the pain and decreased mobility caused by this illness.
Another condition that may affect seniors is degenerative disc disease, in which the spinal discs degenerate over time and cause pain and suffering. Additionally, spinal stenosis causes narrowing, which places pressure on the nerves and results in discomfort, numbness, or weakness in the legs. Seniors who have dealt with scoliosis throughout their lives might find that the condition becomes more painful with age. Finally, seniors frequently experience compression fractures as a result of weakening bones, which can cause excruciating back discomfort.
Which Support Can Help Seniors With Back Problems?
The appropriate support can have a big impact on a senior’s everyday comfort and mobility if they have back problems. Investing in mattresses and chairs with good back alignment to minimize strain is an important first step. Also, reacher tools or grab bars in the bathroom are examples of assistive equipment that reduces bending and twisting, which can aggravate back discomfort.
While it seems counterintuitive, seniors who struggle with back pain may find relief with regular exercise that targets their core muscles. Mild exercises like yoga, walking, or swimming can ease discomfort and improve posture and flexibility. Home care assistance can help seniors even further with guidance on appropriate forms and gentle reminders to get up and move.
Focusing on mindfulness techniques might also help reduce back pain. Seniors might not realize it, but back pain can worsen with stress. However, focusing on breathing or meditation might reduce stress and its associated pain.
When Should a Doctor Be Called About Back Issues?
If seniors continue to have severe or chronic back pain that does not get better with rest, over-the-counter medications, or home treatments, it might be time to see a healthcare provider. In addition, with home care assistance, seniors can be monitored for other symptoms that point to a need for medical care, such as numbness or tingling in the legs or feet, weakness in the legs, trouble walking or standing up straight, loss of bladder or bowel control, and fever.
Helping seniors with their back pain can also help them enjoy life more. By following the tips above and working collaboratively with home care assistance, seniors may get some much-needed relief from back pain.
If you or an aging loved one needs Home Care Assistance near Carmichael, CA, contact A Better Living Home Care today (916) 514-7006
Sources:
- https://www.painregen.com/blog/9-ways-to-remedy-age-related-back-pain
- https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/general-remedies-low-back-pain-older
- https://www.curavi.com/blogs/all/4-easy-back-pain-remedies-for-seniors
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5395891
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