Peer Reviewed
Case studies
A 79-year-old woman with chronic low back pain
Recent articles on:
Pain
Pain
Abstract
A whole person approach to the management of an elderly woman with chronic low back pain is discussed. This approach includes weaning of opioid medication, active self-management and appropriate support.
Key Points
- Nervous system sensitisation is the predominant contributor to many chronic pain states.
- Significant benefit from pharmacological therapy is unlikely in this case of an elderly woman with chronic low back pain, or in any other case of chronic pain.
- A whole person management approach incorporating gradual medication weaning and support to develop active self-management strategies is recommended for this case.
- Social connection, psychological strategies, physical activity and nutrition are core components of the self-management approach.
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