Solving the Patient Pain Problem

Baby Boomers and their parents are more active than ever, and the market for products that enhance quality of life is now growing in tandem with the human lifespan. One expanding market is pain relief. For seniors, pain can dampen one of the richest and most meaningful phases of life. With an understanding of the most common causes of pain and the tools to help, HME providers can take an active role in improving quality of life for this group. A thoughtful approach to chronic pain management is not only good business sense, it can also be one of HME’s most fulfilling contributions to the health of our nation’s seniors.

Is Pain a Problem?

Half of older adults living independently experience chronic pain, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some of these seniors are part of the 50 million Americans who suffer from arthritis. Despite the significant number of people who are suffering, pain goes untreated more often than not. The reasons are manifold, from ingrained beliefs about whether it’s permissible to discuss pain with health care providers to concerns about medication dependency and a lack of knowledge about pain management options. To compound the issue, common medical conditions such as hearing loss, vision changes and dementia can limit a senior’s ability to communicate about pain. Pain can stem from a number of sources, including arthritis, osteoporosis, vascular disorders and neuropathic conditions. Left untreated, pain can impact sleep, mood, mobility and the desire to participate in social activities. The good news is that pain can be reduced, and with compassionate advice from the patient’s health care team, quality of life can be improved.

Pinpointing Pain Sources

Understanding the problem is the first step in trying to solve it. By asking open-ended questions, HME providers can begin to get to the bottom of a patient’s trouble spots. Where does it hurt? Is the pain a burning, stabbing or tingling sensation? When does it improve and when is it worst? What has been tried so far? Many seniors feel as if their concerns fall on deaf ears. Remember, this is a group that may have trouble acknowledging pain due to an emphasis on self-reliance in their upbringings. Be open to truly hearing what they tell you, even if they are the 10th person you’ve discussed arthritis with that day. Once you’ve uncovered the most disruptive source of pain for the patient, offer solutions. It may be an off the shelf product, it may be a simple affirmation of support or it may be a referral to a chronic pain support group. Hopefully, it’s all three. Seniors are very loyal and if you’re able to address their pain holistically with practical ideas and thoughtful insights, they will not only come back to your store, they will tell their friends as well.

Beyond the Pill Bottle

While many patients may benefit from prescription pain relief, some may be reluctant or unable to embrace a 100-percent pharmacologic treatment. In these cases, HME providers can provide a number of solutions. Pain can be treated with compression supports, hot and cold therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, nutrition, tai chi and counseling. Some patients may be more open to one option over another—let them guide the decision making process. Your job is to empower them with options and let them make the call.

Where Do I Start?

An HME provider might consider creating a dedicated pain management section in the store. The area can feature signage about pain to encourage dialogue. Consider that many patients have pain in their joints. Does your store have products that address all areas of the body, from hands and feet to knees, elbows and necks? Do you have products that offer hot and cold therapy in a single device? How about products that have earned the Ease of Use Commendation from the Arthritis Foundation? These are just a few of the questions you might ask yourself as you establish a pain management section in your store. As you continue to build this area, insights shared by customers will guide you.

Top Pain Relief Picks

Due to consumer demand and the innovation of manufacturers, there are many pain relief options available today. Below are some top picks that are effective, widely available for distribution and readily adopted by seniors.

Compression products—These easy to use devices promote circulation and can reduce painful swelling while offering effective, noninvasive relief for patients with arthritis, cold hands, neuropathy and other aches and pains.

Hot and cold therapy—Soothe sore muscles and joints with warmth or try cold therapy for headaches, sprains and strains. This is one of the simplest solutions, yet it is often overlooked.

Electrical Nerve Stimulation (ENS)—While some of these devices (including TENS units) should not be used by individuals with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, other devices utilizing a milder form of vibration may be considered if the patient’s doctor approves. Strangely enough, ENS may be one of the oldest forms of pain relief, dating back to ancient Rome when Scribonius Largus, a court physician, declared that standing on an electric fish could relieve pain.

Nutrition—Blog posts about foods that fight arthritis abound for good reason. While this tactic will not cure the disease, several foods are known to help reduce inflammation and promote collagen development, including omega-3 rich fish and seafood, anti-oxidant filled tart cherries and vitamin-C packed favorites like oranges, grapefruit, broccoli and kale.

Tai chi—A combination of gentle movements and breathing, this senior-friendly exercise can promote calm while enhancing overall wellness. Pain may inhibit exercise, but research shows that movement has a positive effect on pain. If Tai chi is not a good fit, offer simple stretches, yoga, swimming or short walks as alternatives.

Counseling—Sometimes we forget that our innate drive as humans is to connect to others. When we are in pain, our ability to care for others decreases. A kind touch, a word of support and an open ear can make all the difference for someone dealing with pain day in and day out. Many times acknowledging another’s pain means just as much as curing it.

Your Store’s Pain Relief Plan

Just as each patient’s pain differs, so too will your store’s approach to pain management. Defining your niche as a patient-centered solution provider happens over time, and it is probably something you are already honing. While pain is a widespread problem, the good news is that the HME industry can make an impact not only at the patient level, but at the population level as well. In this way, HME providers will continue to improve public health and help to reduce the nation’s overall health care costs. Become your community’s go-to resource for pain management advice and products