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. 1999 Jun;89(6):930–934. doi: 10.2105/ajph.89.6.930

Lower body osteoarticular pain and dose of analgesic medications in older disabled women: the Women's Health and Aging Study.

M Pahor 1, J M Guralnik 1, J Y Wan 1, L Ferrucci 1, B W Penninx 1, A Lyles 1, S Ling 1, L P Fried 1
PMCID: PMC1508667  PMID: 10358691

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed use and dosage of analgesic medications in relation to severity of osteoarticular pain. METHODS: The type and dose of analgesic medication and the severity of pain in the lower back, hips, knees, or feet of 1002 older disabled women were assessed. RESULTS: Severe pain and the use of analgesic medications were reported by 48.5% and 78.8% of women, respectively. Among those who had severe pain, 41.2% were using less than 20% of the maximum analgesic dose. Overall, 6.6% of women were using more than 100% of the maximum dose. CONCLUSIONS: Severe pain is common. Additional, more effective, and safe analgesic treatments are needed for controlling pain in older persons.

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Selected References

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