Management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in the Elderly: Opinions on oral medication use

Abstract.

The use of oral medication in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain in the elderly requires careful selection of drugs to control pain with consideration for both the physiological state and the presence of disease(s). Recent advances have improved the understanding of biomolecular mechanisms of chronic pain. These include the production of powerful pro-inflammatory cytokines by glial and microglial cells, which then lead to activation of major pain pathways from the periphery through the dorsal horn and supra-spinal pathways to the somatosensory and other higher cortical centres. This has allowed better recognition for intervention with anti-inflammatory agents to control cytokine production (e. g. prednisolone, triamcinolone and other brain-penetrating corticosteroids). Advances in understanding of chronic pain have lead to recognition of neuronal PX2 puringergic receptors as potential sites for drugs to control pain by more selective actions. Pain control in the elderly involves extensive use of analgesics, among them the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), and various narcotics. Each of these has its drawbacks, mostly related to potential toxicities. Attempts to reduce the serious gastro-intestinal (GI) adverse effects of the NSAIDs by the introduction of the highly selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) have only had limited benefit in reducing these untoward actions. Moreover, the risks of serious cardiovascular (CV) and renal side-effects, though statistically infrequent, are none the less of major concern. Cardio-renal effects have been attributed to some (e. g. diclofenac), but not all (e. g. naproxen) conventional NSAIDs. Here we make recommendations for a selection of certain NSAIDs to be used for pain therapy in the elderly in consideration of their relative safety and pharmacokinetics. While newer formulations of narcotics have given some advance in pain control, the application of this group of drugs requires close supervision in the elderly, especially those with cognitive decline, since drug actions on the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS, PNS) can result in significant adverse effects of these agents (e. g. constipation, drowsiness, respiratory and cardiovascular decline).

Improvements in the safety and effectiveness of musculoskeletal pain therapy in the elderly can only be achieved by identification and frequent re evaluation of the cause of the chronic pain and the impact on the patient’s general medical state.