Spine-related pain is increasingly common in older adults. while medications play an important role in pain management, their use has limitations in geriatric patients due to reduced liver and kidney function, comorbid medical problems and polypharmacy (the simultaneous use of multiple drugs to treat medical conditions).

Now a recent review study has found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen) may be more effective for spine-related pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories should be used short-term in lower dose courses with gastrointestinal precaution while corticosteroids show the least evidence for treating nonspecific back pain.

Additionally, nerve pain medications (gabapentin and pregabalin) can be used in older persons, with caution to dose and kidney function. Newer antidepressants (duloxetine) more so than older ones (nortriptyline) can help with spine-related pain, with attention to possible sedation and dizziness. Some muscle relaxants (baclofen and tizanidine) can be used in older persons, again accounting for kidney and liver function. Opioids have limited use in common spine-related pain, but can be used with caution in cases that don’t respond to treatment.

America has a prescription medication problem. Physicians are writing prescriptions at an alarming and unnecessary rate. Chiropractors are well-trained doctors who receive extensive medical training and continue their training throughout their career. They specialize in understanding the body’s relationship with muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and the nervous system. In addition, chiropractors can perform soft tissue therapies, recommend exercises, provide manipulation of the spine or joints, advise nutrition adjustments, and advocate for lifestyle changes. However, chiropractors do not prescribe medications.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com