Persistent Pain
A lot of Americans suffer from persistent pain because of various conditions—in fact, as many as 1 in 10 adults have reported that they suffer from pain that has lasted a year or more! You may now have to sit out on activities you once enjoyed such as playing tennis, lifting weights, and entertaining your children or grandchildren.
Many scientists have found that as we age, we tend to become more sedentary. Staying active could be key to keeping away your pain. If you find activity and over-the-counter medications unhelpful, then you may want to speak to your health care provider. The Alliance has highlighted important information regarding persistent pain below.
Related Publications
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Feature ArticlePain and Confusion: Figuring Out How to Safely Treat Pain
Are you or a loved one dealing with persistent pain but confused about what medications are safe? Understandably so! Treating persistent pain can be challenging and now warnings about the risks of leading pain relievers have left many of us wondering what we can do to safely treat our pain. -
DocumentPractical Facts for Health Care Providers: Assessing and Treating Persistent Pain in Older Patients
Persistent pain is a common problem in older adults, yet many are reluctant to discuss it with their health care provider. They may see pain as an inevitable part of aging, or believe it’s not possible to relieve their symptoms.
Many times it is left up to the health care provider to ask questions of their elderly patients and figure out if pain is a problem. This fact sheet is a summary of the 2009 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) guidelines on the management of persistent pain in older persons. It highlights the AGS panel's main recommendations on assessing and treating persistent pain.
The Alliance also has an updated brochure that provides pain management information for patients. -
BrochureAging with Ease: A Positive Approach to Pain Management
This booklet gives you a brief overview of how to recognize, understand, and safely treat your pain. It provides the latest information, including advice from the American Geriatrics Society’s 2009 guidelines for controlling persistent pain in older people.
The Alliance also has an updated guide for health care providers.
