Musculoskeletal pain is any type of pain affecting the bones, tendons, ligaments, and/or muscles. While this pain can affect people of any age, it’s especially concerning for seniors, as many dismiss body aches and joint pain as a normal part of aging and avoid seeking treatment. Chronic musculoskeletal pain can impact quality of life and indicate an underlying health problem such as degenerative disc disease or arthritis. However, the pain can often be treated effectively with a variety of home remedies and solutions.
What Causes Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal pain has many causes, including trauma (such as a fall or fracture), overuse, long-term wear and tear, and medical conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and degenerative disc disease. Sometimes seniors experience pain due to poor posture or a problem with the alignment of the spine, which leads to shortened muscles.
By making positive lifestyle choices, especially eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly, many older adults can prevent or delay musculoskeletal issues. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior care. Dallas, Texas, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Symptoms to Watch For
If your loved one exhibits the following symptoms, schedule an appointment with his or her physician as soon as possible:
- Muscle spasms
- A burning sensation in the muscles
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Stiffness or body aches
- Pain that’s localized or widespread and worsens during movement
- The feeling of an overworked or pulled muscle
There are alo different types of musculoskeletal pain that can cause different symptoms. Examples include:
- Tendon or ligament pain that gets worse when the area is moved
- Fibromyalgia with pain in different areas
- Joint pain due to arthritis
- Bone pain that can be deep, dull, or penetrating
- Muscle pain, which is usually less intense than bone pain
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elder care. Dallas families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Treating Musculoskeletal Pain
Treating chronic pain requires first diagnosing the cause, whether it’s due to an injury or indicates a more serious health problem that may need attention. The best treatment will depend on whether a senior is experiencing tendon, ligament, bone, muscle, or joint pain. Effective treatments include:
- age
- Anti-inflammatory or steroid injections
- Acupuncture
- Heat packs
- Physical therapy
- Stress-reduction techniques
- Stretching exercises
Severe musculoskeletal issues can make it difficult for aging adults to handle the basic activities of daily living on their own. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Dallas, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (907) 770-0907 today.