Ageing is inevitable, and with each passing decades, new pains seem to pop up out of nowhere on your body, for example a sudden headache, a pang in the joints, sore muscles, etc. While most people will think that those are just side effects of growing older, it’s always worth to take another look at these symptoms to know for sure that they are not signs for other health complications.

Assumptions are not always good, especially when you’re older. Here are some of the most common physical pains that people will suffer when they are older, and how to alleviate them, presented by Home Instead Senior Care Outer East.

Headaches

A headache is defined as a pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, and can result from a wide range of causes. Most of the times, headaches are stress-related, and can be relieved with pain relief medication and extra rest.

While headaches are one of the most common symptoms that can be experienced by everyone, especially those who are older, it can be an early symptom of other more complex medical conditions in the head or neck. Chronic headaches can also lead to the development of other illnesses. If you are experiencing continuous headaches, get yourself checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Back pains

One of the most leading cause of disability worldwide, and also one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor, is back pain. Most people have experienced back pain at least once in their life. Back pain can be triggered by bad posture while sitting, standing, bending awkwardly, lifting stuffs incorrectly, or sleeping.

Generally, back pain will improve in a few weeks or months on their own. However, some people might find themselves experience long-term pain or pain that comes back once in a while. If your back pain hasn’t improved by around six weeks, consult your GP to learn more about the treatments available. If your back pain comes with another condition such as a fever, unexplained weight loss or inability to urinate, seek urgent medical help as it could be a sign of something more serious and need to be assessed as soon as possible.

To prevent back pain from coming back or to relieve it, pay attention more to your posture and make the necessary corrections. Perform regular exercises to strengthen your core and back muscles can also help to prevent back pain.

Joint pains

Joint pain is extremely common in adults, especially when you’re over 60. Pain in your joints can range from mildly irritating to indescribable. There are many possible causes for joint pain, but it’s usually a result from injuries or arthritis.

Over-the-counter or prescription medicines can be used to treat joint pains. Regular physical exercises that includes weight training and stretching can also help to relieve the pain. A trip to the doctor will confirm the source of your pain and help you to decide which treatment methods your body needs to alleviate joint pains.

For older adults living in Melbourne, Home Instead Senior Care Outer East can offer help and assistance to help them reduce or cope with physical pain that hinder their ability to perform daily activities. As a 100% non-medical in-home care service provider, Home Instead Senior Care Outer East’s services ranging from basic in-home support like Personal Assistance to specialized care such as Dementia or Palliative Care. Our 24/7 services, even on public holidays, are all aimed to ensure the health, both physical and mental, and safety for seniors, at the same time enhance their life, retain their independence and help them live it to the fullest.

Thanks for reading through this Blog, I hope you have found it useful. If you require any further assistance please feel free to contact the office.

Kind regards,
Suzanne McLoughlin
Owner of Home Instead Senior Care Outer East

P.S. We provide free Care Consultations and resource guides to support and guide families. Download your free copies from our Aged Care Resources page or Request a Free Information Pack to receive a hard copy.