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Persistent pain in the elderly
Marissa C Galicia-Castillo1, Janet McElhaney
1Eastern Virginia Medical School, Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Hofheimer Hall, Suite 201, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA.
Comprehensive Therapy
|April 19, 2003
Summary
Persistent pain is a common issue in older adults, not a normal part of aging. Effective management involves thorough assessment, regular pain medication, and monitoring overall health status.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pain Management
- Geriatric Medicine
Background:
- Persistent pain affects a significant portion of the elderly population.
- Pain in older adults is often undertreated and can lead to functional decline.
- Aging does not inherently include persistent pain as a normal physiological process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight that persistent pain is a treatable condition in the elderly.
- To emphasize the importance of a structured approach to pain management in older adults.
- To advocate for proactive pain assessment and intervention in geriatric care.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive geriatric pain assessment protocols.
- Implementation of routine pain medication regimens.
- Systematic monitoring of patients' medical and functional status.
Main Results:
- Successful pain management is achievable in the elderly population.
- Integrated care approaches improve patient outcomes.
- Early detection and intervention are key to managing chronic pain.
Conclusions:
- Persistent pain in the elderly requires dedicated management strategies.
- A multidisciplinary approach including assessment, medication, and monitoring is effective.
- Addressing pain in older adults enhances quality of life and functional independence.