Chronic low back pain is a debilitating condition affecting millions of Americans annually. Older-adult populations suffer a high prevalence of this continually painful state, and further face a unique set of challenges to manage short-and long-term biopsychosocial functioning. As the population ages, and the proportion of older adults grow, it is essential to explore and develop the most effective interdisciplinary strategies to care for older adults who are chronic pain sufferers. In this Commentary, we highlight some of the special challenges that the older-adult population encounters, and their influence on pain management strategies.Keywords: Low back pain; Chronic pain; Biopsychosocial; America; Older adults CommentaryChronic low back pain (CLBP) is a widely prevalent condition affecting more than 25 million Americans [1]. In a recent 2014 report by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), it was noted that low back pain was the most prevalent reported pain site, exceeding joint conditions, headache/migraines, neck, and facial, or jaw pain [2]. Roughly one third (34%) of adults aged 65-74, and adults aged 75 and over (34.9%), reported low back pain in the last 3-months [2]. As the population ages, CLBP reports are expected to rise, further necessitating the need to develop interdisciplinary pain management strategies for this growing part of the population [3].In addition to CLBP, older adult populations often have multiple conditions that can complicate and limit traditional pain management therapies. As a result, they face distinctive challenges regarding healthcare regimens, including adherence, physical ability, psychological and social conditions, age-related mental decline, agerelated physical decline, and pharmacological intake concerns. Furthermore, general physical decline due to aging often limits the patient's ability to participate in physical interventions, such as exercise and more vigorous physical therapies. Often, simple stretching techniques or light exercise may not be a viable option [4]. Additionally, psychosocial status must be evaluated for adherence and well-being. Chronic pain patients often experience depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders [5], as well as dementia, Alzheimer's, and other ailments that can impede proper care.Medications are widely prescribed to help combat pain, particularly when these physical limitations are present. On average, older Americans consume multiple medications daily [6]. The large volume of prescription medication consumption certainly influences the available and appropriate treatment options to both avoid side-effects and maintain good quality-of-life. Considering these astonishing figures, it is vital to develop comprehensive, interdisciplinary preventive measures and pain management strategies in order to account for the unique concerns of the older-adult population. This Commentary aims to highlight some of the special challenges the older-adult population faces, and the importance of implementing interdisciplinary treatment strate...
Purpose: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are increasingly demanding access to reliable information regarding their disease. The objective of the INFOSEEK-MS study was to assess what are the strategies people with MS use when searching for information on their disease, including sources, frequency, reliability, and preferred content. Patients and Methods: A non-interventional, cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with a diagnosis of MS according to the 2010 McDonald criteria were included. The InfoSeek questionnaire was used to assess patients' strategies when seeking information about the disease. Clinical characteristics and other variables, including disability, quality of life, fatigue, cognition, anxiety and depression, were analysed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), 5-item Modified Fatigue Scale (MFIS-5), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), respectively. Results: Three hundred and two patients were studied (mean age: 42.3 ± 10 years, 64% female, mean disease duration: 9.6 ± 7.0 years, 90% with relapsing-remitting MS, and mean EDSS score: 2.6 ± 1.9). The internet (either via mobile or computer) is a frequently reported source of information. Lifestyle-related information (67.2%), research and emerging treatments (63.6%), symptom control (49.7%), sharing experiences with other patients (46.4%), and disease prognosis (46.4%) were the most searched topics. Neurologists and nurses were the most trusted source of information. Younger patients and higher SDMT scores were associated with all search resources (M = 37.7 and M = 49.97, respectively). The frequency of searches was related to the number of relapses (R 2 = 0.07), EDSS (R 2 = 0.14), MSIS-29 physical and psychological components (R 2 = 0.132) and inversely with depression (R 2 = 0.132). Conclusion:Although healthcare professionals are considered the most reliable source of information for people with MS, searching for information on the Internet is very frequent. An individualized information strategy considering the different factors involved is needed.
The objective of the current study was to examine the relative efficacy of two exercise techniques-a multidimensional treatment (MDT) and a traditional senior exercise therapy treatment (TET)-in older adults diagnosed with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Participants (N = 16) were randomly assigned to either the MDT (n = 8) or TET (n = 8) groups after meeting the requirements for the presence of CLBP. Participants in the MDT group received an individualized exercise program, while participants in the TET participated in a group exercise program. A Mann-Whitney test was conducted to determine differences between psychosocial and physical variables pre-and post-intervention. Statistical analyses indicated no significant differences in physical or psychosocial variables at pre-intervention assessment. However, participants in the MDT group reported a decrease in fatigue and pain interference, with an increase in physical functioning, when compared to the TET group. Additionally, the MDT group displayed a significant decrease pain interference, while the TET group had an increase grip strength. Patients who received the MDT reported less fatigue and pain interference, and an increase in their overall physical functioning.Overall, the MDT was a more efficacious method to manage CLBP.
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