Chronic Back pain

Chronic Back Pain

The problematic condition of back pain occurs as a result of bad posture while sitting or
standing, incorrect lifting procedures and awkward bending positions. The lumbar region (lower
back) is most commonly affected by back pain. Back pain may be categorized into three types
based on the persistence of the pain. When the pain lasts not more than six weeks, it’s referred to
as acute back pain. When the pain lasts between 6 weeks to 3 months, the back pain is said to be
sub-acute. When the pain persists for more than three months, it’s referred to be chronic (Adams,
2004).
The preliminary evaluation of the patient should focus on the examination of the history
and physical aspects. In some instances, the pain may be self-limiting. Patients with chronic low
back pain can be categorized into;
• Unspecified pain at the lower back
• Non-spinal backache
• Specific spinal causes leading to back pain
Back pain diagnosis is conducted using computer tomography or magnetic resonance
(Chou et al., 2007). Some of the aspects included in the medical history of the patient focus on
osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, cancer and an evaluation of previous imaging. Some of the notable
red flags include a history of cancer, fever or trauma, unapparent weight loss, steroid use for an
extended period, and extreme localized pain, lack of a comfortable position and use of non-
prescribed parenteral drugs (Bigos et al., 1994).
I would prescribe acetaminophen in addition to incorporating the use of non-steroidal
drugs which inhibit inflammation as the primary drugs of choice for patients suffering from
chronic back pain. Acetaminophen is preferred especially for patients who are at risk of stomachproblems or heart disease. These are possible risks associated with non-steroidal drugs which
inhibit inflammation. The limited use narcotics is due to the ethical implications involved. They
have an addictive potential, the probability of an overdose is high or to a worse extent, death may
occur as a result of profound respiratory depression (Fields, 2011).
In conclusion, it is necessary to note that the purpose of medication is to offer relief but
not necessarily to cure the pain. Other remedies have to be incorporated into the treatment plan
for the patient to be cured. These may include exercises and other physical therapies.

References

Adams, M. A. (2004). Biomechanics of back pain. Acupuncture in medicine, 22(4), 178-188.
Bigos, S., Bowyer, O., Braen, G., Brown, K., Deyo, R., Haldeman, S., & Liang, M. H. (1994).
Acute lower back problems in adults. Rockville, MD: Agency for Health Care Policy and
Research.
Chou, R., Qaseem, A., Snow, V., Casey, D., Cross Jr, J. T., Shekelle, P., & Owens, D. K. (2007).
American college of physicians; American pain society low back pain guidelines panel.
Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the
American college of physicians and the American pain society. Ann Intern Med, 147(7),
478-491.
Fields, H. L. (2011). The doctor's dilemma: opiate analgesics and chronic pain. Neuron, 69(4),
591-594.