PAIN MANAGEMENT TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE IN OLDER ADULTS

Abstract

To the Editor: The purpose of the article “Pain, functional limitations, and aging” as stated by the authors was to examine the relationship between functional limitations and pain across a spectrum of age, ranging from mid-life to advanced old age.1 The authors of this study state that pain is known to be common in people with disabilities and is a well-known risk factor for the development of a disability. Covinsky and colleagues explain that “pain may be an important factor that distinguishes those who experience functional limitations earlier in life from those who do not experience major functional limitations until later in life, but the authors are aware of no population-based studies that describe the relationship between disability and pain across the age span.”1 The significance of this article in terms of evidence-based practice is that pain limits function in adults in mid-life to advanced old age. To help older adults remain more independent and function better in their daily lives, pain needs to be managed more effectively. This study presented significant information regarding participants with pain who presented with functional limitations similar to those without pain who are 2 to 3 decades older. This study and others like it provide evidence that pain affects function, and this information can be used to prove that there is a need for further research regarding pain interventions and treatments and that pain management, including alternative forms of pain management, should be considered necessary to maintaining function in older adults.1 One example of a form of alternative pain management is occupational therapy. Occupational therapists are qualified professionals who have a sound understanding of psychosocial, physical, environmental, and spiritual factors that may affect function and independence. Occupational therapist are trained in a variety of interventions that can be used to address pain management, including the use of therapeutic modalities such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, a form of skin-stimulation pain relief; biofeedback; heat; cold; therapeutic massage; splinting; adaptive equipment training; body mechanics training; relaxation training, including deep breathing and visual imagery; joint protection; work simplification; energy conservation; and engagement in meaningful activities. Occupational therapists are also trained in activity analysis and activity demands and can make recommendations on activity and environmental modifications to reduce pain. Occupational therapy is a great alternative or addition to the traditional approach to pain management, and doctors should recommend it to their patients to help them better manage their pain and remain independent older adults. With evidence to support that pain limits function and that there is a high prevalence of pain in older adults, there is a need to address pain management in older adults. If pain were managed better, older adults might be able to remain independent for longer, which might help lower healthcare costs and prevent or prolong the need for nursing home placement and skilled nursing care. More focus needs to be spent on assessing and managing pain in older adults. Healthcare professionals should work closely with their patients to monitor their pain and explore the variety of different pain management options available to find a pain management system that works well for each patient. My experiences working in the healthcare field as a certified occupational therapy assistant have shown me that there is not enough emphasis placed on managing pain. Too often, patients are left with a prescription for medication as their only option for relieving pain. More time needs to be spent investigating alternative approaches to pain management and pain relief such as occupational therapy. Conflict of Interest: The editor in chief has reviewed the conflict of interest checklist provided by the author and has determined that the author has no financial or any other kind of personal conflicts with this paper. Author Contributions: The author is the sole contributor to this paper. Sponsor's Role: None.