MEASUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF PAIN IN OLDER-PEOPLE

The successful treatment of chronic pain requires meticulous diagnosis and a comprehensive assessment of pain, suffering and disability. Pha rmacological strategies form the mainstay of management approaches for chronic pain. However, it is important to offer an integrated and tai lored management program in order to address all of the factors which contribute to the patient's pain problem. This may include physical th erapies, such as a graded exercise program, attention to posture and t he use of TENS, as well as psychological strategies suggested by cogni tive-behavioral treatment approaches. In cases where conventional trea tment efforts fail, multidisciplinary pain management clinics for olde r persons have been Shown to be effective, although negative referral bias and ageist community attitudes may limit access to these services . Age should not be regarded as a barrier to effective pain management and continuing education of both therapists and older persons themsel ves is needed in order to reinforce this view.