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Evaluation and Management of Back Pain in the Elderly

  • Neurology of Aging (KS Marder, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Back pain is common in the elderly. Most back pain is uncomplicated but identifying back pain due to serious systemic disease is essential. History and physical exam are critical to this distinction and guide further diagnostic evaluation. There are numerous treatments available for acute and chronic back pain, yet there are special considerations when treating the elderly. Treatment is comprehensive with pharmacotherapy, physical therapy, and alternative methods. Pharmacologic therapy for back pain is targeted at reducing inflammation and providing analgesia. Physical therapy is a necessary part of any treatment plan. Non-pharmacologic treatments are broad in scope and consist of activity-based modalities and alternative therapies. Acute back pain generally has a good prognosis, while chronic back pain can be associated with significant morbidity. This update will review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment of back pain with a particular emphasis on issues unique to the geriatric population.

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Christina M. Ulane declares that she has no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Correspondence to Christina M. Ulane.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Neurology of Aging

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Ulane, C.M. Evaluation and Management of Back Pain in the Elderly. Curr Geri Rep 4, 117–123 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-015-0122-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-015-0122-0

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