Best Ways to Treat Back Pain in Seniors

Back pain affects millions of seniors every day, significantly impacting their quality of life and independence. The best way to treat back pain often requires advanced medical interventions when traditional approaches like medications and physical therapy fail to provide adequate relief.

For older adults experiencing persistent discomfort, specialized pain management procedures offer renewed hope for returning to the activities they love.

In this article, we will provide you with a brief understanding of advanced pain management options, so that you can make informed decisions about your care.

Understanding back pain in seniors

Chronic back pain is a common challenge for seniors, often stemming from age-related changes in the spine, such as degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or spinal stenosis.

Unlike the back pain younger individuals may experience, which is often linked to acute injuries or muscle strain, back pain in seniors tends to develop gradually and can persist over time.

What are common causes of back pain in seniors?

Common causes of back pain in elderly patients include:

• Degenerative disc disease: Over time, the discs between vertebrae lose water content and elasticity, reducing their ability to cushion the spine and leading to pain or stiffness.
• Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the nerves of the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, particularly in the lower back and legs.
• Osteoarthritis: The breakdown of cartilage in the facet joints of the spine can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and limited mobility.
• Osteoporosis: Loss of bone density weakens the vertebrae, increasing the risk of compression fractures that cause sudden or persistent back pain.

It is important to note that the list above is not comprehensive. To find the direct cause of chronic back pain, it is always recommended that patients consult with a qualified pain management provider.

The negative impact of chronic back pain in elderly patients

The effects of chronic back pain in seniors go beyond physical discomfort. Pain can limit mobility, disrupt sleep, and decrease independence in daily tasks. Social isolation is also common when pain prevents participation in family or community activities.

Each of these factors can not only have a great physical impact, but also negatively affect mental health and quality of life. According to a study conducted by Clinical Interventions in Aging, approximately 13% of the elderly population experiences both chronic pain and depression simultaneously – highlighting a substantial overlap that complicates management and underscores the need for integrated treatment approaches.¹

Effective treatments, such as interventional pain management techniques, are crucial not only for alleviating pain but also for preserving functional ability, dignity, and quality of life during the aging process.

Lifestyle changes seniors can make to manage chronic back pain

Chronic back pain can significantly impact daily life for seniors, but for many, relief may be possible through thoughtful lifestyle adjustments. Before exploring surgical options, it is recommended to consider non-invasive changes that can improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and enhance overall well-being.

From staying active to adopting ergonomic habits, these small shifts can make a big difference in managing back pain effectively.

Sustainable physical activity & conventional exercise

Regular aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises improve endurance, core stability, and muscle coordination. The following activities can effectively reduce chronic back discomfort:

• Walking
• Biking
• Swimming
• Resistance training
• Stabilization routines

Restorative sleep strategies

Quality sleep profoundly influences pain perception and mood. According to an article published by the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, the following practices can enhance sleep, reduce pain intensity, and boost overall recovery.²

• Maintaining a dark, cool, and quiet sleeping environment
• Avoiding screens before bedtime
• Maximizing natural morning light

Self-care & ergonomics

Learning self-management techniques – like proper body mechanics (lifting, bending, posture), alternating task difficulty, self-massage, flare-up planning, and pain education—empowers senior patients to handle back pain more confidently in daily life.

Advanced treatment options for seniors with back pain

When conservative lifestyle changes fail to make an impact, elderly patients may need to consider more advanced treatment options.

Modern pain management offers several sophisticated approaches specifically designed to address chronic back pain in seniors. These treatments target specific pain sources and can provide long-lasting relief.

Spinal cord stimulation

Spinal cord stimulation is one of the most effective treatments available for chronic back pain in seniors. This innovative procedure involves implanting a small device that sends gentle electrical pulses to the spinal cord. These carefully controlled pulses interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, providing significant relief without the side effects associated with many pain medications.

A study published in Pain Practice found that 76% of patients experienced at least 50% relief of back pain after 12 months of spinal cord stimulation treatment.³

The procedure begins with a trial period lasting approximately one week. During this time, temporary electrodes are placed near the spinal cord through a minimally invasive technique. If the trial provides adequate pain relief (at least a 50% reduction in pain), a permanent device is implanted under the skin.

Intrathecal pump therapy

Intrathecal pump therapy delivers medication directly to the spinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This targeted approach allows for significantly lower medication doses while providing superior pain relief compared to oral medications.

The pump, about the size of a hockey puck, is surgically placed under the skin of the abdomen and connected to a catheter leading to the spine. This treatment works particularly well for seniors who experience troublesome side effects from oral pain medications. The direct delivery system bypasses both the blood-brain barrier and the digestive system, which reduces systemic side effects like dependence, tolerance, drowsiness, confusion, or constipation.

A study published in Neuromodulation showed that, at a three-month follow-up, pain intensity in geriatric patients was substantially reduced by 60% with intrathecal pump therapy. This underscores the efficacy of intrathecal pumps as one of the best ways to treat back pain in seniors.⁴

Intracept procedure

The Intracept procedure targets the basivertebral nerve, a nerve located inside the vertebral bones that supplies sensation to the vertebral endplates within the spine. This nerve often becomes a source of chronic lower back pain in seniors with degenerative disc disease, creating deep, aching discomfort that traditional treatments cannot address effectively.

According to a study published in Cureus, after the Intracept procedure:

• 65% of patients reported at least a 50% reduction in back pain
• 2% of patients reported at least a 75% reduction in back pain
• 4% of patients reported 100% pain relief at six-month follow-ups⁵

This demonstrates that sustained pain relief from the Intracept procedure can help seniors maintain active lifestyles well into their later years.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses precisely controlled heat energy to disrupt nerve function and reduce pain signals. This treatment works exceptionally well for facet joint arthritis, a common cause of back pain in seniors that develops from years of wear and tear on the spine.

Pain relief typically lasts six months to two years before the procedure may need to be repeated as nerves gradually regenerate.

Epidural steroid injections

Epidural steroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. A study published in the Turkish Journal of Geriatrics concluded that epidural steroid injections are effective in treating back pain in the elderly, especially those with disc herniation.

The injection is performed using fluoroscopic X-ray guidance to ensure accurate medication placement. These injections are recommended for many seniors, as they are minimally invasive, reduce inflammation, and provide significant pain relief for several months.

Trigger point injections

Trigger point injections target muscle knots that cause pain and spasms. These knots often result from poor posture, stress, or injury, leading to discomfort that can spread across the body. The back is one of the most common sites of trigger points.

Using a small needle, the practitioner injects medication directly into the trigger point, relaxing the muscle and reducing pain. Multiple points can be treated in one session, offering effective relief for muscle-related back pain.

The Minuteman® procedure

The Minuteman® procedure is a minimally invasive treatment designed to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain caused by spinal stenosis or degenerative conditions. A small titanium spacer is implanted between two vertebrae, holding them apart and preventing them from compressing together.

This approach provides lasting relief by reducing pressure on sensitive spinal nerves, allowing patients to regain mobility and comfort with minimal recovery time.

The minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) procedure

The MILD Procedure is another effective option for addressing lower back pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis. Using a tiny incision, pain management specialists remove small pieces of bone and ligament that are compressing nerves, providing significant pain relief while preserving spinal stability.

The OsteoCool™ system

The OsteoCool™ system offers a unique approach for treating painful bone tumors. This minimally invasive procedure uses radiofrequency ablation to target and destroy tumor tissue, reducing pain and improving the patient’s quality of life.

It is particularly beneficial for patients with metastatic bone disease or certain primary bone tumors.

Research published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found that patients treated with the OsteoCool™ system experienced rapid (within 3 days) and statistically significant pain improvement, with sustained long-term relief through 6 months.⁶

Choosing the right treatment

Selecting the best way to treat back pain requires careful evaluation by an experienced pain management specialist. Several factors influence treatment choice, including:

• The specific location of pain
• Underlying medical conditions
• Response to previous treatments

Your doctor will also consider your overall health status and any medications you currently take. Some treatments may interact with existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease, making a thorough medical evaluation essential. A comprehensive assessment ensures the safest and most effective treatment approach for your unique situation. Your pain management team will review imaging studies, conduct physical examinations, and discuss your symptoms in detail.

Patient preferences and lifestyle goals also play an important role in treatment selection. Some seniors prefer less invasive options initially, while others seek the most definitive treatment available to achieve maximum pain relief. Discussing your goals, concerns, and expectations helps guide the decision-making process toward the most appropriate solution.

Best way to treat back pain in Burnsville, Chaska, Edina, Maple Grove, Maplewood, and Woodbury

At Twin Cities Pain Clinic, our dedicated team of pain management specialists understands how chronic back pain affects your daily life and relationships. We offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans designed specifically for seniors, taking into account your overall health, lifestyle goals, and treatment preferences.

Our experienced physicians have helped thousands of patients find relief from chronic back pain using the most advanced techniques available.

Contact Twin Cities Pain Clinic at 952-841-2345 or schedule an appointment online by using our form to discuss the best way to treat your back pain. We look forward to serving you!

The contents of this article are intended for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a physician or other qualified healthcare provider before engaging in any action or decision-making based on the content of this article. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of the content of this article or any other content on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website. Reliance on any information conveyed on the Twin Cities Pain Clinic website without direct consultation with a healthcare professional is solely at your own risk.

REFERENCES

1. Zis P, Daskalaki A, Bountouni I, Sykioti P, Varrassi G, Paladini A. Depression and chronic pain in the elderly: links and management challenges. Clin Interv Aging. 2017;12:709-720. doi:10.2147/CIA.S113576.
2. Altug Z. Lifestyle Medicine for Chronic Lower Back Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2021;15(4):425–433. doi:10.1177/1559827620971547.1,2
3. Kallewaard JW, Gültuna I, Hoffmann V, et al. 10 kHz Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Treatment of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome with Predominant Leg Pain: Results from a Prospective Study in Patients from the Dutch Healthcare System. Pain Practice. 2020;21(5):490-500. doi:10.1111/papr.12973
4. Raffaeli W, Righetti D, Caminiti A, et al. Implantable intrathecal pumps for the treatment of noncancer chronic pain in elderly population: Drug dose and clinical efficacy. Neuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface. 2008;11(1):33-39. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1403.2007.00140.x
5. Nwosu M, Agyeman WY, Bisht A, et al. The effectiveness of intraosseous basivertebral nerve ablation in the treatment of nonradiating vertebrogenic pain: a systematic review. Cureus. Published online April 4, 2023. doi:10.7759/cureus.37114
6. Levy J, Hopkins T, Morris J, et al. Radiofrequency Ablation for the Palliative Treatment of Bone Metastases: Outcomes from the Multicenter OsteoCool Tumor Ablation Post-Market Study (OPuS One Study) in 100 Patients. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2020;31(11):1745-1752. doi:10.1016/j.jvir.2020.07.014