Pain in Older Adults

Older persons, especially the old-old (age 85 and older) represent the most rapidly growing population cohort in the industrialized world. With age comes the accumulation of diseases, injuries and other trauma that can lead to chronic pain syndromes. This presentation reviews the basic pathophysiology of pain and the types of pain encountered in clinical practice. Safe and appropriate use of available treatment options from non pharmacological, non-opioid  to opioid analgesics will be discussed in light of expert opinion from the American Geriatrics Society, the CDC and the FDA.  

Learning Objectives 

1. Review types of pain and their mechanisms 
2. Recognize the increasing incidence and impact of chronic pain on function and quality of life of older persons 
3. Utilize appropriate pain assessment and screening tools 
4. Review potential adverse events that limit use of pharmacologic agents in older persons 
5. Design a multimodal plan of care including appropriate nonpharmacologic therapies & meds (non-opioid and opioid) with known safety profiles  
6. Recognize when referral to a pain specialist is needed 
7. Recognize persons with or at risk for opioid use disorder & identify appropriate interventions 

Disclosures: None Reported 

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California (OPSC) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. 

Grievance Policy: OPSC strives to provide continuing medical education programs to fulfill the needs of the attendees and to meet the AOA Uniform Guidelines and AOA Accreditation Requirements. Comments, questions, or complaints should be forwarded to OPSC, by calling the OPSC Office at 916-822-5246 or by email to opsc@opsc.org.