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Personal Care at Home: What to Know About Lower Back Pain in Seniors

Personal Care at Home in Yonkers NY: Back Pain
Personal Care at Home in Yonkers NY: Back Pain

Personal Care at Home: There are many causes of lower back pain in seniors, and for some, the pain can interfere with daily life and activities.

An estimated 31 million Americans suffer from lower back pain, and most of that pain is caused by age-related changes in the spine and the resulting damage to the discs and surrounding soft tissues. If you think your senior may be experiencing lower back pain you might want to consider personal care at home for assistance.

What Causes Lower Back Pain in Seniors?

While the exact cause of lower back pain in seniors is not fully understood, there are a number of factors that can cause or aggravate it.

1. Age-related Changes

As we age, our bones and joints lose density and become more brittle. As a result, we become more prone to fractures and breakage.

Age is also a major factor in disc degeneration. As we age, the discs that sit between the vertebrae begin to break down, which can cause a weakening of surrounding ligaments and muscles. The intervertebral discs begin to thin out, which causes the discs to lose some of their cushioning effects.

2. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that is caused by the degradation of the cartilage that cushions the joints. Cartilage does not have a direct blood supply, so it cannot replenish itself with new cells. This prevents the body from naturally healing damaged cartilage.

The most common forms of osteoarthritis are degenerative, which is caused by age-related changes to the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammatory disease that is often caused by genetics but can also be caused by environmental factors. The most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is joint pain.

3. Disc Degeneration

As the discs break down, they become increasingly susceptible to pressure, which can cause the discs to herniate. When the disc herniates, it can press on the spinal cord, which can cause serious damage.

4. Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that occurs when one of the bones in the spine slips over the other bone. This can cause the spinal cord to press against the nerves, which can cause serious damage.

How to Prevent Lower Back Pain in Seniors

There are a number of things that you can do to prevent lower back pain in seniors.

1. Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of lower back pain in seniors. Physical activity increases the flexibility of the joints, ligaments, and muscles. This allows them to absorb more shock, which can prevent the buildup of pressure in the soft tissues.

Exercise also strengthens the muscles around the spine, which allows them to support the spine and reduce the risk of injury.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight puts more stress on the body, which can cause pain.

If your senior is overweight, make sure they are consuming enough calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to strengthen the bones.

3. Get Enough Rest

Maintain a restful sleep schedule for your seniors and make sure they are getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

Make sure your senior is getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Eat foods that contain magnesium, like whole grains and leafy green vegetables.

 

Personal Care at Home: Conclusion

Lower back pain is a serious problem faced by seniors, and it can make daily activities difficult. If your senior is suffering from lower back pain, personal care at home can alleviate the pain by helping them with everyday activities. We offer your senior the best personal care at home. Give us a call today!

 

Amelia Home Care provides traditional Personal Care at Home in Yonkers, NY, along with virtual caregiving and remote patient monitoring. Our service area includes; Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and Westchester County. Call today (929) 333-3955.

 

Sources

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7231370/

https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/osteoarthritis

https://www.healthline.com/health/bone-spurs-osteophytosis

Amelia Home Care Staff

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