Chronic pain myths among older people
There are many misconceptions about chronic pain in older people, but an article published last week on Noxicare Natural Pain Relief website, helps to dispel some well-worn myths, while giving practical examples of pain management techniques that have been effective for many senior patients.
Myth #1 Expect pain
Pain comes with age and you must learn to live with it. Myths about pain, and an individual’s predisposition for enduring it, tend to increase with age no matter how fit or otherwise healthy the patient.
Call it inherited attitudes about ageing or a lack of facts, some patients begin to exhibit a “pain acceptance” attitude as early as age 50.
However, acute pain caused by temporary circumstances can largely be prevented by keeping the body fit and by preparing for activity. Acute pain can also be lessened by taking charge of it immediately instead of hoping it will go away on its own.
Myth #2 Over-the-counter or prescription medications are the only real way to alleviate pain
While prescription drugs have been used and prescribed with caution because of many known and serious side effects, traditional over the counter medications, and a host of others have become embroiled in controversy because of their side effects, adverse effects on the heart and other vital organs, and for questionable manufacturing practices.
Natural pain relievers, yoga, massage and acupuncture are also recommended pain relievers.
Myth #3 Natural pain relievers don’t work and are a waste of money
Effective natural pain relievers contain ingredients that are proven painkillers, such as turmeric, a powerful healer recognised for its anti-inflammatory properties; ginger, known to alleviate muscle strains, arthritis and rheumatism; rosemary, which can be used for joint or musculoskeletal pain, and other botanicals that have a well-documented pain reduction effect.
Since topical natural pain relief products do not contain laboratory-created pharmaceuticals, they generally will not make the skin feel “icy hot,” smell like medicine, or cause clothes to stain. Effective natural pain relief products alleviate inflammation, muscle aches and nerve pain without side effects, perfumes, or gimmicks.
Myth #4 Surgery may be the most radical option – but it works
As we age, we don’t recover as quickly from surgery. Surgery can also produce complications that can hinder pain relief or make matters worse. Importantly, surgery can be an expensive step to take if insurance coverage is not adequate.
Myth #5 The doctor always knows best
Too many older patients try to please their doctors by downplaying their level of pain or the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment. Only the patients know the severity of the pain they are experiencing, which treatments are actually working for them, and the pain management techniques they are comfortable trying.
