SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
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Chronic Back Pain Medications & Other Approaches

Medications

A wide range of drugs are available for the treatment of chronic pain. Most commonly used are aspirin, acetaminophen, and the anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. Then there are the more powerful narcotic analgesics, such as morphine and codeine. People respond to these differently and there is no one medication that is right for everybody. Only a physician who knows your medical history and what other medications you might be taking is truly qualified to make the best recommendation for you. And, after beginning to take one, it is important to keep your physician updated on their effectiveness, not only if they are working or not, but also about any side effects you might experience.

Do not fall into the trap of thinking that a lack of effectiveness or the experience of side effects are things that must be tolerated without question. Many different drugs are available and improvements in pharmacology bring us more and better alternatives as time goes one. Regular contact with a physician is necessary to make sure the course of medication one is on is indeed the best available.

Psychological Approaches

Psychological approaches are best for chronic pain where a specific physical cause has not been identified or, when it has, is used in conjunction with a sensible course of medical treatment. The strategies used generally fall into four categories, with plenty of room for overlap and the use of more than one technique at a time. These categories are: relaxation, imagery, hypnosis, and biofeedback. Though it is best to seek the advice of experts to ascertain what, or what combination, is best for you, below are examples of some things you can do on your own in the effort to cope with chronic back pain.

• Splitting: Separate your experience of pain from the pain itself. If the pain is throbbing, for example, focus on the throb and not the hurt. Another variation is to separate the painful body part (your back) from the rest of your body.
• Numbing: Imagine an injection of a powerful medicine that numbs the area of your back that hurts.
• Projection: Imagine yourself at a time in the past or future where you are free of pain. A pain-free location, like a favorite vacation spot, may also work.
• Movement: Visualize the pain moving from your back to another area of the body where it is easier to handle. An alternative is to imagine it leaving your body and taking up residence somewhere else, like the ground.

Be aware that psychological approaches are particularly helpful when stress is suspected as the culprit in your experience of chronic back pain. Our daily lives are constantly subject to stress, be it from work, relationships, or simply new and different experiences. People react to stress in different ways. Some individuals feel tired, others get upset stomachs, and many of us show our tension in the form of back pain. Instead of a psychological technique that focuses on pain management, then, a more sensible approach could be the identification and treatment of the factors that cause you to experience stress.

A Physical Approach

Most chronic back pain is the result of activities that have an adverse effect, such as lifting heavy objects improperly or simply sitting in a chair for long periods with bad posture. Changing our habits, therefore, can have a significant impact. Below are some of the most commonly advised physical measures to take. As always, see a physician or other qualified professional for assistance in deciding what is best for you.

• Weight loss: approximately 67 percent of Americans are overweight. These extra pounds put pressure on the back and strain both back and abdominal muscles, which can weaken these muscles and compound the problem.
• Improve Posture: Bad posture means your body is out of balance. When it comes to your back this means that only a small number of muscles and joints are doing most of the work. Proper posture will spread out the task and relieve the intense pressure on small areas of the back.
• Exercise: A good exercise program, designed by a professional, will strengthen muscles in your back, keep them limber, and increase endurance. Though our instincts may tell us to rest until the pain passes, the proper exercise can be an effective means of pain relief or reduction.
• Movement: Simple measures, like using your leg strength, instead of back muscles, to lift heavy objects can make a big difference. Whether at work, home, or engaged in leisure activities, be aware of how you can alter you movements to avoid unnecessary stress on your back.

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