Lisa Conway – FLORIDA TODAY

Q: Is there anything else besides opioids for serious pain relief?

A: With age, comes aches and pains. Joint stiffness, arthritis, muscle loss, and degenerative conditions can all contribute their share of discomfort. While medication and surgery are sometimes necessary, non-invasive, lower-risk methods for managing pain also exist. A variety of effective options may help reduce your pain– without strong medications or surgical intervention.

Physical activity is one of the most beneficial ways to manage chronic pain. Regular, gentle exercise helps maintain flexibility, strengthen muscles, and improve circulation—all of which can reduce pain levels. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, tai chi, or yoga are particularly helpful for older adults! Your doctor may recommend one or more of these activities to ease joint stiffness, improve balance, increase core strength and reduce the risk of falls.

Physical therapy is another excellent tool in your pain management toolbox. A licensed physical therapist can design a personalized exercise and stretching program aimed at relieving pain, restoring function, and preventing further injury. They may also use additional techniques (massage, heat/cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation) to target areas of discomfort.

Mind-body practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can also help greatly. These approaches focus on calming the nervous system, which can reduce the perception of pain. Guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation are other techniques that have proven to be effective.

Acupuncture, a form of traditional Chinese medicine, continues to gain popularity in the West for treating various types of pain, including arthritis, back pain, and nerve pain. By stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles, acupuncture may help release endorphins and reduce inflammation.

Diet and nutrition also have a role to play in managing pain. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon), and certain spices like turmeric may help reduce the inflammation that contributes to chronic pain. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce pressure on joints.

Assistive devices, like braces, orthotics, or ergonomic tools, can provide support and reduce strain on painful areas. Simply using a cane, modifying your workstation, or installing grab bars in the bathroom could make daily activities less painful.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help manage the emotional side of chronic pain. Pain often impacts mood, sleep, and mental health, and CBT can teach coping strategies that improve overall well-being.

For more information and resources for seniors, visit The Experts in Aging at www.OneSeniorPlace.com or stop in to One Senior Place in Viera and Altamonte Springs.

Lisa Conway is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.