Summer is a great time for Great Care seniors and their caregivers to get out and enjoy the outdoors. But sometimes outdoor activities such as gardening or walking on hard surfaces can cause back pain in seniors.

Also, common health conditions that come with aging, including osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis, can flare up with increased movement and physical activity.

“Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. It can start quickly if you fall or lift something too heavy, or it can get worse slowly,” says the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).

Research has shown an estimated 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given moment. The institute reports that anyone can have back pain, but risks increase from:

• Getting older. Back pain is more common the older you get. You may first have back pain when you are 30 to 40 years old.

• Poor physical fitness. Back pain is more common in people who are not fit.

• Being overweight. A diet high in calories and fat can make you gain weight. Too much weight can stress the back and cause pain.

• Heredity. Some causes of back pain, such as ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine, can have a genetic component.
• Other diseases. Some types of arthritis and cancer can cause back pain.

• Your job. If you have to lift, push, or pull while twisting your spine, you may get back pain. If you work at a desk all day and do not sit up straight, you may also get back pain.

• Smoking. Your body may not be able to get enough nutrients to the disks in your back if you smoke. Smoker’s cough may also cause back pain. People who smoke are slow to heal, so back pain may last longer.

In many cases, the NIAMS says back pain be prevented by exercising and keeping back muscles strong, and maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight. Also make sure to get enough calcium and vitamin D every day for strong bones, and try to stand up straight and avoid heavy lifting when you can.

“If you do lift something heavy, bend your legs and keep your back straight,” the NIAMS says.

Back pain treatment can vary from physical therapy and medication to surgery and exercises at home. The Mayo Clinic says physical therapy is the cornerstone of back pain treatment.

“A physical therapist can apply a variety of treatments, such as heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and muscle-release techniques, to your back muscles and soft tissues to reduce pain,” the clinic says. “As pain improves, the therapist can teach you exercises that can increase your flexibility, strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and improve your posture. Regular use of these techniques can help prevent pain from returning.”

Seniors and their caregivers can work closely with the staff at Great Care for back pain relief that best meet their needs, including exercise regimens and arranging for in-home physical therapy and visits.

“Our team is comprised of experts dealing with age-related issues like back pain and pain management, and our licensed professionals can help seniors navigate through this time and make careful decisions. The Great Care Care Compass – will help you create a personalized service care plan for in-home care,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan.

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.