Clinical Outcomes Of Multimodal Pain Management In Age-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Integrating Pharmacotherapy And Medical Intervention

Older adults have age-related musculoskeletal disorders affecting both the joints and the spine as the major causes of chronic pain, disability, and lowered quality of life. Musculoskeletal pain is multifactorial and this requires alternative treatment methods that go beyond the single-modality treatment. The objective of this review was to assess clinical outcomes in relation to multimodal pain management interventions that involve a combination of pharmacotherapy and medical and interventional interventions in musculoskeletal age-associated disorders. Evidence was searched in randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines covering evidence related to musculoskeletal and spine-related pain in the adult and older population. The focus was made on pharmacologic treatment, image-assisted intra-articular procedures, nerve-specific procedures, and how they can be included in step-based care models. Multimodal pain management strategies were shown to have similar pain intensity reduction, physical improvement, and quality of life improvement in various musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoarthritis and degenerative spine complications. The combination of pharmacologic therapies and recommended interventional procedures and rehabilitation was most effective. The sequential treatment models favored individual care, reduced risks of treatment, and decreased the use of high-risk drugs, especially those used in the ageing population. The combination of pharmacotherapy and medical and interventional approaches to the treatment of age-related musculoskeletal pain has provided a comprehensive and efficient model of managing this condition. Multimodal, patient-centred practices are beneficial to the preservation of functions, maximize safety, and enhance long-term outcomes of older adults with joint and spine disorders.