Your body changes as you age, and this can result in the onset of general aches and pains. If your elderly parent complains of back pain, they don’t have to accept this discomfort as an aspect of growing older. Several treatment options could help them find relief and live a healthy, pain-free life.

A Comprehensive Guide to Senior Back Pain

How Does Aging Affect the Back?

The discs and joints begin to lose moisture and resilience, which can impede their ability to absorb shock from everyday tasks. As the spine canal narrows, nerves can be compressed. This is often caused by osteoarthritis, which can cause discomfort in the back by breaking down cartilage in the back or creating bone spurs. Spinal vertebrae can also slip out of place, put pressure on nerves, and cause chronic pain.

What Are the Symptoms?

While seniors may experience pain in the back itself, when the nerves are affected, discomfort can radiate throughout the body. Depending on which part of the spine is affected, symptoms may also be felt in the arms, shoulders, legs, or neck, often in the morning and late evening. While pain may be mildly uncomfortable at first, it can make walking difficult, interrupt sleep, or cause significant discomfort while bending down.

How Is It Treated & Prevented?

While it may seem counterintuitive, encouraging your senior to become more active could help improve flexibility and strength and prevent severe back discomfort. Specific exercises, such as bridges, knee-to-chest stretches, and cat/cow yoga poses, may offer the most significant benefit. While they may be able to exercise at home, a physical therapist can help guide them through targeted moves safely and effectively. Also, treatments such as over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, heat therapy, and chiropractic adjustments may help to delay or prevent the need for more invasive procedures, such as surgery.

If you or your loved one is experiencing back pain, allow the team from Hamilton Holistic Healthcare Services to help. Serving St. Clair County, IL, this clinic provides chiropractic services and physical therapy to help patients build strength and flexibility, minimize discomfort, and improve their quality of life. Request an appointment online or by calling (618) 857-8282 today.