As the population ages, spine-related pain is increasingly common in older adults. While medications play an important role in pain management, their use has limitations in geriatric patients due to reduced liver and renal function, comorbid medical problems, and polypharmacy. This review will assess the evidence basis for medications used for spine. Dosage ranges (based on specific product labeling): Hydrocodone 2.5 to 10 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed (maximum dose of hydrocodone may be limited by the acetaminophen content of specific product; refer to manufacturer's labeling); the dosage of acetaminophen should be limited to ≤4 g/day. Use the lowest effective dose.

that cause them to be confused, their pain can probably be assessed with a basic pain assessment tool like this: Even clients who are unable to speak (after a stroke, for example) can often point to the appropriate face or number on this type of pain tool. If an elderly client has memory loss or dementia, the health care team can try:. .