Assessment of musculoskeletal pain in the elderly

Abstract

Purpose: musculoskeletal disorders are common causes of pain and disability in the elderly. Knowledge of these conditions is necessary, since the clinical presentation of some of them is different in older adults. Among these illnesses are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach is vital in view of the changes that occur in this population due to aging.

Source of data collection: a systematic review of the literature through PubMed, searching for epidemiology, diagnosis and therapeutic approach of musculoskeletal disorders in the elderly; only topic revisions were chosen.

Data Synthesis: musculoskeletal pain has an unsatisfactory diagnostic and therapeutic approach, because the majority of health workers consider it to be due to aging. We review major musculoskeletal conditions and differences in the therapeutic management to be considered in the elderly.

Conclusions: musculoskeletal pain is a common cause of disability in the elderly. Correct diagnosis reduces its functional consequences, such as immobility and social isolation. It must also be considered that aging can affect drug kinetics, so that some drugs should be used cautiously in older adults