Seniors' Health: How to Manage Back Pain in Old Age

Most people are susceptible to back pain as they grow older due to the degeneration of the joints in the spine. Additionally, seniors tend to move around less, and this causes strain in their lower back muscles. Whether the pain is as a result of joint degeneration or lack of motion, it is possible to manage and prevent it.  Simple lifestyle changes can protect your body from succumbing to the diseases and medical conditions that are associated with old age. In this article, you will learn some simple yet effective measures that you can take to manage lower back pain as you age.

Work on your posture

Seniors spend most of their days seated, and this can lead them to adopt poor sitting postures that cause strain to the lower back muscles. If you don't have much to keep you on your feet every day, it would be a good idea to work on perfecting your sitting posture. Note that the perfect sitting position for a 20-year-old may not be the best for you. The secret is to find the position that exerts minimal stress on your back. To do this, sit down and tilt the pelvis forward then back. As you move the pelvis, find the position that feels most comfortable and stick to it.

Engage in physical activity

Old age comes with unexplainable fatigue that makes one want to sit down and read the newspaper or just lie in bed. However, this is not good for your back or health. Too much sitting immobilises your muscles, and it can lead to chronic pain and tension. Do some yoga to stretch your legs, hamstrings, and back muscles. Go to the yard and enjoy the fresh outdoor air. Once in a while, do morning or evening walks in the neighbourhood. Your body may not handle vigorous exercise, but a little stretching and walking can go a long way in relieving back pain.

Get a back massage aid

Using a back rub cream is an effective way of relieving back pain, especially when you cannot exercise. Get a quality topical cream and ask a loved to massage it on your back. However, make sure that you test it first as some creams can react with your skin and cause irritation. Alternatively, ask your partner to massage your back and use some hot compress to relieve the pain. Do this often to help release tension in the muscles and permanently alleviate the pain.

Back pain can be a real problem in people as they age. Consider visiting a chiropractor for treatment if the pain doesn't go away with simple massage and exercise.