Pain in the Elderly: A Symptom That Should Not Be Ignored
Chronic pain in the elderly population is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Understanding its particularities is fundamental to providing quality of life in old age.
Pain Is Not Normal in Aging
Although degenerative diseases are more common with advancing age, pain should NOT be accepted as 'normal aging'. Every elderly person with chronic pain deserves proper evaluation and treatment.
Common Causes of Pain in the Elderly
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis and vertebral fractures
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Post-herpetic neuralgia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
Impact of Pain on Quality of Life
Untreated pain in the elderly is associated with:
- Depression and anxiety
- Social isolation
- Sleep disorders
- Loss of functional independence
- Increased fall risk
- Cognitive decline
Specialized Approach at Intrador
Treatment of pain in the elderly requires special care:
- Complete multidimensional assessment
- Careful medication prescription
- Minimally invasive techniques (blocks, acupuncture)
- Multidisciplinary approach
- Attention to comorbidities and drug interactions
Specialized Care for the Elderly
Talk with our team for an evaluation with a pain specialist for individualized and safe treatment.
Talk with our teamClinical Review
Dra. Emillene Cordeiro
Physiatrist | CRM/PE 23074 | RQE 6109
Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions About Pain in the Elderly
Is feeling pain just part of aging?
Pain becomes more frequent with age, but it should not be seen as something inevitable that must simply be tolerated. Many causes of pain in older adults can be evaluated and treated. For this reason, persistent pain warrants medical evaluation rather than being accepted as "normal for age".
Is it safe to treat pain in elderly people taking several medications?
Treating pain in older adults usually requires special attention to doses, drug interactions and other health conditions. A careful evaluation allows suitable strategies to be chosen, which may include non-drug measures. The approach is always individualized by the physician.
Are there alternatives beyond medication?
Yes. In addition to the careful use of medications, care may involve physical therapy, acupuncture and, in selected cases, minimally invasive techniques such as image-guided blocks. The right combination depends on the cause of the pain and each person’s overall condition.
Why is untreated pain in older adults concerning?
Persistent untreated pain may be associated with loss of mobility, sleep changes, isolation and a higher risk of falls. Seeking medical evaluation helps preserve autonomy and quality of life. This content is informational and does not replace an in-person consultation.
Clinically Reviewed by:
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro
Pain Medicine | Acupuncture
CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
Published on: January 17, 2026
Reviewed on: January 29, 2026
This content is informative and does not replace individual medical evaluation.
See full credentials
Fundador da Clínica Intrador, médico especialista em Medicina da Dor e Acupuntura, com atuação em tratamentos intervencionistas e neuromodulação.
Note: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is based on scientific evidence and the clinical practice of the Intrador team, but it does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Conduct, indications, and treatments must be defined after medical consultation.
Clinical reviewer: Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · Pain Medicine | Acupuncture · CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
View full profile →