Chronic back pain is the second most common neurological pain having a significant impact on daily living. Physical and emotional challenges resulting from chronic back pain may change a person's life permanently. Learning how to help someone with chronic back pain effectively through understanding the causes and effects may improve an individual's quality of life.
1Research different sources on chronic back pain. Medical books and websites offer detailed information on diseases and injuries that may cause chronic back pain, in addition to explaining drug treatment and therapy available.Ad
2Ask your family member or friend about their chronic back pain. An individual living with chronic back pain most often will appreciate an expressed interest of their condition. Showing you care may encourage communication.
3Recommend a visit to the doctor to reevaluate medication therapy if needed. Various medications are available for chronic back pain. If over-the-counter medicine is not effective, only a doctor can prescribe a stronger medication to relieve chronic pain.
- Sometimes changing medication dosage or prescription is necessary depending on the individual's present health status and other medications prescribed.
4Encourage physical therapy and exercise with the doctor's approval. Regular exercise or physical therapy can help strengthen back muscles, maintain healthy weight and enhances mobility.
- Yoga improves ability function, eases pain and improves mood.
- Physical therapy provides patient education.
- Typically a home exercise program is customized to specific patient needs after physical therapy.
5Become an exercise partner. Joining your family member or friend on an exercise regime to deal with chronic back pain is positive for their well-being. Since chronic pain sufferers can sometimes become depressed, emotional support can lift spirits and encourage a positive outlook.
6Assist with household tasks and shopping until activity level improves. Many individuals with chronic back pain may avoid asking for help to maintain their independence. This can cause more harm to a back disorder.
- Offer to do any shopping if your family member or friend cannot get around.
- Suggest a motorized shopping cart when purchasing groceries if mobility is limited.
- Do not allow lifting of heavy objects.
7Advise the use of a shower chair, grab bar or hand-held shower to reduce the risk of a bathing accident. Bathing can be especially challenging for someone with chronic back pain. Attempting to step in, stand or sit in a tub or shower is nearly impossible for some individuals with chronic back pain.
8Offer emotional support to reduce the stress and anxiety of chronic back pain. Many individuals living with chronic pain do not enjoy life as before. Their condition may prevent them from working and doing normal activities.
9Suggest individual or group therapy to help control stress, depression and anxiety. Connecting with others experiencing a similar condition reinforces a positive support network.
10Recommend seeking a second opinion for alternative pain management methods.Ad
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- Approach the topic of hygiene gently as it is a private matter. Forcing a discussion may offend your family member or friend.