Using Pain Medication Intensity to Stratify Back Pain Among Older Adults.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:To examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal back pain among older adults stratified by pain medication intensity to 1) review treatment patterns and 2) consider targeted back pain prevention interventions. METHODS:A random sample of older adults age 64 years and older was utilized to identify new and recurring back pain. Prescription pain medications from drug claims were used to stratify to five unique intensity levels. The characteristics of each level were determined using regression models. RESULTS:About 10% had musculoskeletal back pain. Of these, 54% (N = 20,645) had new back pain and 46% (N = 17,252) had recurring back pain. Overall, about 35% received physical therapy. Pain medication intensity levels included no prescription pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammat

SUBMITTER: Musich S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6374135 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature