Q. I’m in my mid-70s and suffer from chronic joint pain. It seems to be worse during the late afternoon and into the evening. I have difficulty engaging in my favorite leisure pursuits, such as knitting and baking because the pain is so extreme. At times, the sensation even wakes me up in the middle of the night. I take over-the-counter pain medication as needed, as prescribed by my doctor. I’m starting to feel a little down because the pain only seems to be worsening. I have an appointment scheduled with my doctor to discuss the pain. Do you have any non-medical pain management tips that I can try?
A. I’m sorry to hear about your chronic pain. You’re not alone in your suffering. Older adults are susceptible to both chronic and acute pain. Frequent types of pain prevalent among older adults include osteoarthritic pain, musculoskeletal pain, chronic joint pain and neuropathy. As you’re well aware, pain can affect everyday life, including sleep.
I’m glad to hear that you’ve already scheduled an appointment with your doctor. While pain is to be expected in older age, it should not prohibit you from engaging in your life. As your appointment approaches, take note of when your pain is at its worst and when it subsides. Write down which over-the-counter medication you took, the dosage, and the time. This will help your doctor determine a pattern of your chronic pain. Your doctor can then adjust your pain medication and perhaps prescribe something more powerful and effective.
There are other ways to manage your pain, in addition to medication. During your appointment, discuss the following methods with your doctor.
Essential oils offer unique benefits that target pain, swelling, and discomfort. You can use essential oils in various ways, such as in a diffuser or rubbing them on the achy joint. Before you use essential oils, talk with your doctor about which ones are appropriate for your pain.
Relaxation techniques can be very effective in helping older adults manage pain. As you participate in relaxation exercises, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins help your body relax, and pain subside. Try a few relaxation techniques, such as guided imagery, deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to determine which technique is most beneficial to you.
Another effective non-medical pain management technique is massage therapy. Professional massage therapists are trained to apply appropriate pressure through various massage movements that send signals to the brain to hinder pain messages also being sent. As the massage progresses, the body naturally relaxes, and stress dissipates. Massages do not need to be painful and do not need to target deep tissue for your body to receive pain-alleviating benefits.
If your pain continues to hinder your life, even after your doctor adjusts your pain medications and alternative approaches aren’t helping, it’s time to seek professional treatment. Ask your doctor if you are eligible to receive physical or occupational therapy. Such therapies can help relieve pain and promote healing in your body. If you continue to suffer from chronic pain, ask your doctor for a referral to a pain clinic that can treat your specific condition.
Have a question for our angel correspondent? You can send our angel an email to apetersen@visitingangels.com or send your question via mail to Ask An Angel, 65 Woodbury St., South Elgin, IL 60177.
