Health & Nutrition Health and Nutrition - February 2018.edcoan.ir | Page 28

rformed
e
p
e
g
a
Mass
rapist
e
h
t
a
y
b
n pain
trained i
reduce
s
p
l
e
h
f
relie
relax
d
n
a
y
t
e
i
anx
endons,
t
,
s
e
l
c
s
mu
s.
and joint
PILL-FREE TREATMENTS
FOR PAIN
Physical therapy. Stronger muscles
help absorb pressure
on the joints.
Devices. Splints
and braces can
immobilize
joints and relieve
pressure on
nerves. Canes
and walkers allow
you to redistribute
your weight away
from painful joint.
Acupuncture. Evidence
about its effectiveness is
mixed, but many randomized
controlled trials
have suggested
acupuncture
helps reduce
chronic pain.
Therapeutic
massage.
Massage
performed by a
therapist trained
in pain relief helps
reduce anxiety and relax
muscles, tendons, and joints.
risk of dependence, addiction, constipation, falls,
confusion, slowed reaction time, slowed breathing,
and death.
For older adults, the most common cause
of pain is osteoarthritis. And the best prescription
medications for that are opiates. About two
million people in the United States struggle with
opioid addiction.
Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anticonvulsant
medication often prescribed for nerve pain. It’s
less risky than NSAIDs and opioids, but it has its
own risks, such as sedation, cognitive impairment,
dizziness, and falls.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
When taking painkillers on a regular basis, weigh
the risks and benefits with your doctor. For
generally healthy older adults with chronic pain,
acetaminophen is recommended. It’s the first-line
choice for osteoarthritis, but for long-term use, limit
the daily dose to 2,000 mg or less.
NSAIDs should be avoided if having high blood
pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems, or if
you’re taking blood thinners. Otherwise, use the
lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of
time, and avoid NSAIDs once you reach the age of
60. Above 60, the data shows significant risks, and
they increase by decade.
Acetaminophen should be combined with pill-
free treatments (see box) before trying prescription
painkillers. If you take prescription painkillers,
ask a family member to hold and supervise your
medications, and give you only what’s prescribed
and needed.
28 February 2018 HEALTH & NUTRITION