Update on managing chronic pain in the elderly

J Fam Pract. 2007 Dec;56(12 Suppl New):S11-6.

Abstract

People aged 65 years and over make up the fastest growing demographic in the United States. By the year 2040 they will comprise approximately one fourth of the US population. The elderly patient in need of chronic pain therapy presents challenges best met with an enlightened and effective treatment strategy. Practice standards must include a thorough pain assessment and formation of a multimodal care plan, which applies knowledge of pain management in an objective and scientific manner. In this article, a patient case study illustrates how the appropriate management of chronic pain in an elderly patient can lead to better clinical outcomes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Disease
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Monitoring
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Family Practice / methods
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Low Back Pain / drug therapy*
  • Low Back Pain / etiology*
  • Male
  • Pain Measurement
  • Palliative Care / methods
  • Spinal Stenosis / complications*
  • Spinal Stenosis / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antidepressive Agents