Coping with Chronic Low Back Pain - June 15, 2009

June 15, 2009 Table of Contents

Please note: This information was as current as we could make it on the date given above. But medical information is always changing, and some information given here may be out of date. For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org, the AAFP patient education Web site.

Information from Your Family Doctor

Coping with Chronic Low Back Pain

Am Fam Physician. 2009 Jun 15;79(12):online.

See related article on chronic low back pain.

What is chronic low back pain?

Chronic low back pain is when you have pain in your lower back for longer than three months. You should talk to your doctor about ways to cope with your back pain.

How is it treated?

For most people, there is no way to completely get rid of the pain. But you can control it enough to enjoy normal activities.

Acetaminophen and an anti-inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen, are the first choices. If these medicines don't help your pain, your doctor may suggest other medicines, such as tramadol (one brand: Ultram), antidepressants, or muscle relaxants. Acupuncture, exercise, manipulation of the spine, or massage may also help.

Long-term use of pain medicines called opioids, such as morphine, hydrocodone/acetaminophen, and oxycodone/acetaminophen, can lead to addiction.

Should I have surgery?

Surgery may help some people if the cause of the pain is known, but it is usually not helpful. An epidural (a shot in the lower back) may help some people with back pain that goes down into the leg.

Is there anything else I can do to help my pain?

Staying active is important. Weight loss can also help if you are overweight. Your muscles and spine are not under as much stress when you weigh less.

Living with chronic back pain is like living with any other chronic illness or condition (for example, high blood pressure). It may help to look at how you cope with the effects of back pain.

Please fill in the form below and talk to your doctor about it

Pain

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being no pain at all and 10 being the worst pain, my goal for pain is _____ out of 10.

My current pain on average is ______ out of 10.
Function

My goal for activity is (for example, walk 15 minutes a day without stopping; go grocery shopping without help):

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________
Well-being

My quality of life would be improved by:

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other health-related information is available from the AAFP online at http://familydoctor.org.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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