Companion care at home provides support with daily activities that can help seniors with back pain.
Seniors frequently experience lower back pain, which can negatively affect their quality of life and ability to carry out everyday tasks. Their general well-being can be enhanced by learning the reasons for the pain and investigating practical solutions for its management. The good news is they don’t have to do it on their own, especially when they have companion care at home.
The Reasons Behind Lower Back Pain in Seniors
While no two situations are the same, there are some common reasons behind seniors’ lower back pain, including the following:
- Age-Related Changes: As people age, the spine alters due to degenerative processes. For instance, the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, lose moisture and elasticity, leading to disk degeneration and herniation disorders.
- Osteoarthritis: This condition, which is characterized by the degeneration of cartilage in the joints, is one of the main causes of lower back discomfort in seniors.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition results from gaps in the spine narrowing and compressing the nerves. It can lead to severe lower back aches, causing seniors to withdraw from their regular activities. With companion care at home services, seniors can gain help when they’re not able to finish tasks.
- Muscle Weakness: Among other changes that occur with age, the muscles that support the spine weaken, which can result in bad posture and lower back discomfort.
- Osteoporosis: This disorder increases the risk of fractures by making bones fragile.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lower back pain may worsen due to muscular atrophy and stiffness brought on by a lack of exercise.
Practical Strategies for Handling Lower Back Pain
With the support of companion care at home providers, seniors can learn strategies to help them manage their lower back pain, including the following:
- Frequent Workouts: While it might seem counterintuitive, stretching, swimming, and other low-impact workouts can help increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can help seniors address certain issues causing lower back pain by creating a customized exercise regimen. Additionally, they can ensure seniors use the proper form.
- Pain Management Techniques: Applying cold or hot packs can help relieve lower back pain momentarily. In addition, seniors might use over-the-counter pain medications to help them feel better.
- Weight Control: Keeping their weight within a healthy range eases the tension on the spine. Companion care at home providers can help seniors with this by creating healthy meal plans and encouraging exercise.
- Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and massage therapy are among the alternative therapies that some seniors find effective in treating their lower back discomfort. These techniques can support conventional medical care.
- Mind-Body Methods: By addressing the emotional and psychological components of chronic pain, methods such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing can help control discomfort overall.
Seniors’ lower back pain can have many different causes, but it can be successfully treated with the appropriate techniques. Important first steps can be taken with the help of companion care at home providers, including exercising regularly and eating well.
If back pain continues even after incorporating some of these strategies, seniors should consider talking to their medical team.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in Manhasset, NY, please contact the caring staff at Brookville Homecare today. 516-802-7722
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