Lumbalgia or low back pain is a common problem in older adults, as they are more likely to suffer from pain related to the degeneration of the joints of the spine.
As we become older adults, it is completely normal to begin to suffer from aches and pains that we did not feel before. If we do not take preventive measures, the list of ailments can be very long: muscle pain, arthritis, hearing loss, back and neck pain, diabetes, depression, among others.
According to specialists, the muscles gradually decrease by 3% to 8% every decade and this accelerates after the age of 60. This natural decrease is known as sarcopenia.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Or Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Both spinal stenosis –the narrowing of the canal of the cervical (neck) or lumbar (back) spine– and degenerative spondylolisthesis –when a vertebra slides forward on the one below– are two conditions that appear due to wear and tear on the joints, typical of the age.
In both cases, what generates low back pain is compression of the spinal cord and lumbar nerve roots. The outcome is severe discomfort in the legs, especially when the elderly person is standing or walking normally.
The symptoms are slow to evolve and vary between severe and mild, or can even go days without making an appearance. Other associated manifestations are:
- Leg discomfort that makes it difficult to walk far
- Discomfort in the lower back that disappears after sitting for a while
- Symptoms include weakness, numbness, and tingling that spread down the legs and buttocks from the lower back (sciatica).
How Do We Prevent And Treat Low Back Pain In The Residence?
Two of the most common causes of low back pain in the geriatric patient are osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.
Osteoporosis is the cause of it being more acute in the elderly, due to the fragility that the bones have acquired. Similarly, physical inactivity, loss of muscle mass, a fall, a crushing of a vertebra, can cause low back pain.
Pain (more pronounced first thing in the morning and at the end of the day), stiffness and contracture in the lower back are the most representative symptoms.
It is very important to bear in mind that the geriatric patient experiences slow and progressive musculoskeletal deterioration and inactivity, as well as the posture they adopt for prolonged periods of time during the day, favor the appearance of low back pain.
Low Back Pain And Physiotherapy:Â Prevention And Treatment
Prevention Of Low Back Pain In The Elderly
From the Physiotherapy Service of our residence, we carry out measures to prevent the appearance of this condition:
1- Postural Hygiene And Ergonomics
Sit up straight with your back straight or place a pillow or cushion behind your lower back; place the feet supported so that the knees are flexed 90º degrees, in a sitting position; slight bending of the knees, when the resident is lying down.
2- Physical Activity
Inactivity is harmful, which is why we carry out exercise sessions aimed at strengthening the back and abdominal muscles. Taking physiotherpay sessiona also helps but make sure to verify the PT Expertise of the therapist before getting sessions from him/her.
Individualized Treatment Of Low Back Pain
In addition to these preventive measures, we carry out individualized treatment for those residents who have established this pathology, such as:
- The application of thermotherapy or high-frequency electrotherapy: it is one of the measures that help to calm lower back pain, since it relaxes the muscles, relieves tension and activates blood flow.
- Stretches designed to relax the lumbar muscles and reduce contracture.
- Decontracting massage therapy in the painful area.
On the other hand, our residence has a hydrotherapy service, a recommended therapeutic form to significantly reduce lumbar pain due to the antigravity effect of water.
Avoid A Sedentary Lifestyle
Doctors recommend leading an active life because in this way we will be able to reach old age with greater flexibility, which reduces the chances of suffering from osteoarthritis, severe pain caused by a lack of collagen in the joints.
Have a Healthy Diet
It is advised to eat healthy and include a diet rich in protein, minerals and vitamins to build and repair tissues. If you do not consume enough protein, your body will consume its own muscle mass and the consequences will be seen over time.
Don’t Rule Out Physical Therapy
On the other hand, physical therapy in the elderly helps the muscles maintain a certain degree of mobility and independence. This will make the patient feel capable and able to continue with their daily activities.
Miracle Acupuncture
Also, acupuncture is not only useful for relieving muscle pain, but also helps combat anxiety, depression, insomnia and other psychological problems related to aging.
Lower back pain in this age is very common. You don’t have any permanent solution after the age of 60 but experts at Vertosmed offer the best LSS treatment with the latest and painless technology called Mild. To know more about Mild visit Vertosmed.com.
