What Types of Pain Are Associated with Parkinson’s?

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What Types of Pain Are Associated with Parkinson’s?

More than half of people with Parkinson’s report they’ve experienced varying degrees of pain and discomfort, and research indicates that even in the early stages of the disease, seniors with Parkinson’s experience more pain for longer periods than those without the disease. 

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pain related to Parkinson’s is frequently undertreated. If you provide care for an aging loved one with Parkinson’s, the complex symptoms that arise as the disease progresses can be difficult to address, so it’s essential to know as much as possible about Parkinson’s pain so you can help your loved one find relief. Discomfort and pain in seniors with Parkinson’s tend to fall into the following five categories. 

Musculoskeletal Pain

The rigid and awkward postures that accompany Parkinson’s contribute to aching sensations and soreness, particularly in the hips, back, and neck. 

Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with everyday activities, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable homecare services. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.

Nerve Root Pain

Also known as radicular or neuritic pain, nerve root pain occurs when nerves are injured or compressed. The pain is characterized by a sharp radiating sensation. 

Dystonia

The uncontrolled muscle spasms known as dystonia that seniors with Parkinson’s experience can be very painful. The pain comes from muscles being forced into and held in unnatural positions. 

Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional elder care. Reston seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.

Restlessness

Known as akathisia, restless movements add to a senior’s discomfort and make it difficult to rest and relax. 

Central Pain

This type of pain is caused by changes in the brain due to Parkinson’s. The pain is often described as a stabbing or burning sensation. When treating pain associated with Parkinson’s, healthcare professionals rely on detailed descriptions from seniors to help them identify the source of the pain. Physicians need to know where the pain is centralized and what it feels like as well as how the pain changes in response to daily activities and medications. 

Try to keep a pain diary for your loved one, making note of what type of pain he or she experiences and when. This will give your loved one’s healthcare team the information they need to prescribe effective solutions. 

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Reston, a leading Reston senior care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at 703-556-8983 today.