Coping with musculoskeletal pain in elderly patients

Introduction. Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common health problems among elderly people, and one of the most difficult to
cope with. The phenomenon is often underestimated by doctors or treated inadequately. The main of therapy is pharmacological analgetic
treatment, yet its inefficiency causes patients to seek alternative pain relieving means and actions.

Aim of the study. The research purpose was to identify the ways of coping with musculoskeletal pain represented by elderly people, in
order to find the answer to the question whether there is a need for health education among patients suffering from that conditions.

Material and methods. Study was carried out in consecutive 110 patients aged 60 or above of the geriatric ward who claimed of chronic
pain for at least 3 months. The structural questionnaire of the own construction including the Visual Analogue Score (VAS) of pain and
Geriatric Depression Scale was administered to respondents. Patients were dichotomized into the less severe (n = 54) and more severe pain
group (n = 56) according to the median (i.e. 6) on the VAS.

Results. Results of the research indicate that elderly people used a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to
relieve the pain; however, they avoided physical activity.

Conclusions. Elderly people’s coping with musculoskeletal pain is concentrated on symptomatic pharmacological and non-pharmacological
treatment, beyond doctors’ control. Such recognized methods of prevention and therapy as physical activity and kinesitherapy are still
underestimated, which indicates a great need for health education in that respect.

Nursing Topics 2010; 18 (3): 260-265