Vertebral algic syndrom in the elderly

Overview

Back pain is the most common locomotor system disease that occurs in population aged 60 years or over. The annual prevalence varies between 13–50 %. The most common is lumbar spine pain, followed by the cervical spine and the lowest prevalence is for thoracic spine. Pain is divided into two groups - specific, structural one and non-specific, functional illness. The specific pain, structural one, including degenerative diseases, fractures and typical for older patients’ osteoporotic fractures, cancer, inflammatory infectious and systemic disease. The second category is non-structural, functional illness. In diagnosis, it is important to think of serious illnesses that have specific “red flags”. The problem in the aging population may be adequate treatment, due to the presence of comorbidities, past medical history, limited use of pharmacotherapy and patient mobility in the use of comprehensive rehabilitation. Often, in the long term, patients suffering from back pain and/or nerve root pain lack motivation, self-care, are prone to falls, dilapidated psychological state and fall into apathy. It is necessary to intervene in time, with complex, preferably multidisciplinary, cooperative and correct conservative or even surgical treatment, including psychological support and motivation. Treatment of these patients should be supportive, the goal being to improve pain and function.

Keywords:

Pain – old age – Spine