Study Seeks to Treat Back Pain and Depression Together
Back pain and depression are often intertwined, and unfortunately tend to increase as we age. This has prompted some top researchers to find a way to treat both in our nation's seniors, hopefully creating a multi-level approach which results in a higher quality of life.
About ADAPT
The University of Pittsburgh Department of Psychiatry has partnered with the National Institute of Aging to better understand and treat older individuals who have both low back pain and depression. They have called this partnership the ADAPT study, which stands for Addressing Depression and Pain Together, and its number one goal is to help reduce the incidences of both of these life-altering conditions in people who are 60 years of age and older.
Researchers have broken this 20-week study into two stages, the first of which involves taking 150 mg per day of venlafaxine, which is a prescription medication designed to treat both depression and lower back pain. Individuals that don't experience relief with this medication alone are progressed to stage two in which they are put in one of two groups. Both groups are given a higher dose of venlafaxine, but one receives problem solving therapy along with the medication.
A lot of participants are reportedly finding that they are experiencing relief in the first stage of the study, but it is too soon to report what the second stage individuals are finding as a result of the increased meds and therapy. Unfortunately, taking additional medications isn't always the best options for every senior because they may already be taking other medications or can't tolerate the side effects of antidepressants or common painkillers. For seniors searching for natural relief of their back pain, chiropractic could be the answer.
Chiropractic Care Benefits for Seniors
Our backs get the brunt of our life experiences, whether from having a physically active or sedentary life. That can take a heavy toll on the spine, causing not only pain but potential disruptions to the central nervous system functioning. The spinal column forms a direct pathway of the communication from the brain to the rest of the body through the spinal nerves. This means that it has the ability to not only cause us pain when it is impinged or out of place, but it may also affects everything from our circulation to our digestion to our immunity.
Engage in regular chiropractic care and you'll feel well enough to participate in all that life has to offer well into your golden years. There's a reason why chiropractic is a popular choice for seniors with back pain. This is what you've worked for, so do what you need to enjoy it!
Reference
ADAPT Website. http://www.wpic.pitt.edu/research/adapt/theStudy.htm. Accessed May 19, 2014.
