Pain Relief Solutions for Seniors: Overcoming Age-Related Challenges

Struggling with age-related pain? Dr. Darius Zagunis, M.D., specializes in helping seniors in San Antonio, TX, find relief with tailored treatments and personalized care. Reclaim your independence and enjoy life’s activities pain-free – start your journey to comfort today! For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251.

Table of Contents:

How can I manage chronic pain without relying on medication?
Is there an alternative to surgery for relieving joint pain in seniors?
What are the benefits of non-invasive treatments like joint injections?
Can I still manage pain if I have multiple chronic conditions?

Understanding Age-Related Pain

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes that may result in discomfort and chronic pain. For many seniors, this pain can be attributed to conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and other degenerative diseases. These conditions can affect joints, bones, muscles, and the spine, leading to symptoms like stiffness, limited mobility, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

Age-related pain often involves wear and tear on the body’s tissues, which can result in inflammation, swelling, and reduced range of motion. The pain is typically felt in areas like the knees, hips, lower back, and shoulders, which bear a lot of the body’s weight and undergo frequent use. As pain increases, it can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life, making them less able to participate in activities they enjoy and reducing their independence.

While age-related pain is common, it doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of getting older. With the right approach, seniors can find relief, regain mobility, and continue living an active life.

Personalized Care for Age-Related Pain

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we take a personalized, holistic approach to managing age-related pain. We understand that every senior is unique, with different needs, goals, and lifestyles. That’s why Dr. Darius Zagunis M.D. offers tailored treatment plans that incorporate medical treatments and lifestyle modifications to reduce pain and improve overall wellness.

We also focus on long-term pain management strategies, helping seniors make lasting improvements in their physical health and well-being. Whether you’re experiencing joint pain, back pain, or muscle discomfort, we are here to provide the guidance and support needed to improve your quality of life.

Treatment Options for Age-Related Pain

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, we offer a variety of treatments to address the specific needs of seniors dealing with age-related pain. These treatments are designed to alleviate symptoms, restore function, and improve overall mobility. Below are some of the most effective options:

1. Knee Viscosupplementation Injections

Knee viscosupplementation is a procedure in which hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the knee joint to provide lubrication and reduce pain. This treatment is particularly beneficial for seniors suffering from osteoarthritis or knee pain. Hyaluronic acid acts as a natural cushion and lubricant for the joint, helping to improve mobility and decrease pain.

2. Spinal Cord Stimulation

For seniors experiencing chronic back pain, spinal cord stimulation may offer relief. This minimally invasive procedure involves implanting a device that sends electrical pulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals and providing pain relief. This treatment is especially helpful for those suffering from conditions like spinal stenosis or herniated discs, where traditional methods have failed to provide adequate relief.

3. Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat inflammation around the spinal cord, which is often a source of chronic back and neck pain. The injection delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space, providing long-lasting pain relief and reducing inflammation. This treatment is effective for conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.

4. Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a technique that uses radiofrequency energy to target and disrupt nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain signals. This method provides long-term relief for conditions such as facet joint arthritis, where pain arises from the joints between vertebrae in the spine. RFA works by numbing these nerves, reducing pain and improving mobility.

5. ViaDisc Procedure

The ViaDisc procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for discogenic back pain, which is caused by degeneration of the spinal discs. During the procedure, a device is inserted into the affected disc to restore disc height and alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves. This procedure can provide significant relief for seniors who suffer from chronic lower back pain.

A Patient’s Journey to Pain Relief

Mary, a 68-year-old retiree, has always loved gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. However, osteoarthritis in her knees made it difficult for her to enjoy these activities. After working with our team, we designed a personalized treatment plan for Mary, incorporating knee viscosupplementation injections, epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation, and weight management strategies. Over time, Mary noticed a significant reduction in pain, regained mobility, and was able to return to gardening and keep up with her grandkids.

Charles, a 70-year-old retired engineer, had been dealing with chronic upper back and shoulder pain for several years, which was largely a result of poor posture from years of desk work. The pain had started to interfere with his ability to travel, something he had always enjoyed, and he was finding it difficult to even carry groceries or play with his grandchildren.

After coming to our clinic, we designed a comprehensive treatment plan for Charles that included epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation for the nerves in his upper back, and personalized strengthening exercises. We also worked with him on lifestyle modifications, focusing on posture correction and stress management techniques.

Within a few weeks, Charles began feeling significant relief. The epidural injections reduced the inflammation around his spine, while the radiofrequency ablation helped address the nerve pain. Charles was able to improve his posture through exercises and noticed less tension in his muscles.

Conditions We Treat

▸ Back & Spine Pain
▸ Herniated Disc Treatment
▸ Sciatica
▸ Neck Pain
▸ Knee Pain
▸ Arthritis Pain
▸ Arm & Shoulder Pain
▸ Abdominal & Pelvic Pain
▸ Headaches & Migraines
▸ Hip Pain
▸ Neuropathy
▸ Cancer Pain