As you age, it’s common to experience physical pain in various parts of the body. This is because the integrity and functionality of your bones, muscles, and organs isn’t as good as before. In Gainesville Pain Center, many elderly patients complain of neck pain that is usually accompanied by back pain. This is because the body becomes stiffer when you’re in your senior years.
According to studies, some 22-70% of the world’s population will complain of neck pain at one point in their lives and at least 10-20% will constantly report of neck problems to their doctors. As much as 30% will develop chronic neck issues as they get older and 5% of seniors will likely be disabled because of neck pain.
Neck pain is more prevalent among women and it normally begins to develop at around 50 years old. Seniors who experience neck pain may also suffer from other inflammatory diseases and psychological concerns like depression or insomnia.
Common Causes of Neck Pain in Seniors
A dull aching pain that occurs in the neck might worsen when you try to turn your head or move your neck. Sometimes, the pain is accompanied by some tenderness or pinching and a tingling sensation. You might also feel some dizziness or lightheadedness coupled with a mild headache and a difficulty in swallowing.
The condition occurs due to many factors, which can be structural or non-structural. Among these are:
- Sleeping in the wrong position
- Prolonged bad posture
- Over-exerting your body, leading to muscle strain
- Whiplash, due to sudden movements or vehicular accidents
- Referred pain, usually from back problems
- Chronic ailments like arthritis
- Degenerative diseases
- Increasing sedentary lifestyle, leading to loss of muscle strength
- Osteoporosis
- Misalignment of the spine or a herniated disc
- Change in gait
- Anxiety and other psychological illnesses
- Thyroid problems, especially in women
- As a side effect of your maintenance medication
- Constantly looking down on mobile gadgets
Avoiding Neck Pain in Seniors
To boost joint and muscle strength, our doctors at Advanced Pain Management Gainesville recommend regular exercises like yoga or some simple neck and head movements at home. Physical activities will also slow down the degeneration of the spine.
- Seniors also have to be aware of proper posture when they stand, sit down or lie in bed.
- Avoid napping in chairs.
- Avoid reading in bed and using pillows that are stacked up too high.
- Take breaks when you’re knitting or reading on the couch.
- You might want to consider sitting down if you’re doing chores and have to look down, such as when washing dishes because the sink is too low.
- Keep your head in an upright but relaxed position when standing or sitting with your back straight on the chair.
- Ask someone for help to rearrange your things at home or in your work environment, in the craft room or in your garden. You’ll need your things on the eye-level or within reach, so you don’t have to crane your neck all the time.
- Anytime you feel some tension in your neck, stop what you’re doing and take a break.
What to do if pain persists?
Don’t hesitate to consult a pain specialist if the pain persists for days or hinders your daily activity. Our approach to pain management is guided by the following principles:
- Individually-tailored options for every patient
- Convenient procedures – sedation on request
- Comprehensive care – treatment and clinic both on-site
- Innovative therapies
- Multimodal, elegant approaches to pain care
- Focus on prompt and attentive care in every aspect
- Application of the latest advances in medicine
Where to find the best pain management in Gainesville?
As a provider of pain management in Gainesville, Advanced Pain Medical Center offers many different advanced pain management treatments. Our many treatment options include, but are not limited to, medical marijuana, PRP Therapy, and Stem-Cell Therapy.
If you have further questions, or would like to know more about pain management. Please contact us and we will gladly assist you.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
