Musculoskeletal Injures in Older Adults: Preventing the Transition to Chronic Pain and Disability.

ABSTRACT

The increase in the number of active and independent older adults has, unfortunately, led to an epidemic of musculoskeletal injuries in this population. Chronic pain and functional decline are common sequelae from these injuries and have a major impact on quality of life. Optimizing care for these patients will likely require educating patients about analgesic risks and benefits, promoting physical activity, identifying and addressing the psychological impacts of the injury, and coordinating care between emergency physicians, orthopedists, and primary providers. Active management of acute musculoskeletal pain has the potential to prevent the transition to chronic pain and disability in this vulnerable population.