Pain Management for the Lower Back
Dr. Ahmad W. Aslami D.O. is a top Family Practitioner in Odessa, MO. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Ahmad W. Aslami D.O. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Ahmad W. Aslami... more
The most common complaint I hear from my patients is lower back pain
The most common reason for back pain in adult patients is a simple myofascial strain of the lumbar spine. This can be caused by either overuse or improper posturing.
This pain can be easily treated with simple measures, such as the application of ice and heat alternating to the affected areas 4 times per day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. A simple range of motion and stretching exercises done 4 to 5 times per day for about 10 to 15 minutes each time will help to aid with this pain. You can also take over the counter medications such as Tylenol 325 mg, alternating with Aleve once or twice per day.
It is not necessary for most people to consider taking high potency pain medication such as opioids. There can cause multiple side effects including chronic constipation, drowsiness and may even lead to an opioid dependency.
When it comes to back pain, elderly patients typically respond better to physical therapy - which is also a safer treatment modality for these patients. Elderly patients often require multiple medications for multiple chronic medical conditions which limits their ability to take NSAIDs or muscle relaxers.
Muscle relaxers are also used to aid with back pain, but they frequently cause drowsiness and constipation, and increase the risk for falling.
However, NSAIDs can cause swelling of the hands or legs and gastrointestinal discomfort, and also exacerbates chronic G.I. conditions such as chronic Gerd and dyspepsia. Furthermore, they can also cause NSAID induced nephropathy.
