How to Help a Friend Deal with Chronic Back Pain

Back pain is the second most common reason for people to visit their primary care physician (the first being the common cold), according to the American Chiropractic Association. That being said, you may know someone suffering from chronic back pain. If your friend or loved one has been diagnosed with chronic back pain, there are many ways you can help them cope with their discomfort. 

First, do your research. Educating yourself about your friend’s condition will show them you care and provide you with ways to help. You could research different treatment options, like epidural steroid injections or radiofrequency ablation, which have been known to help chronic back pain patients. It may be possible your friend already knows of these options. That’s okay! He or she may want a second opinion or reassurance from a close friend, like you, before pursuing them.

Another way to help is to simply be there. Go with your friend to his or her appointments at Southwest Spine and Pain Center so they do not have to go alone. Studies have shown that chronic pain often accompanies depression and other mood disorders. By doing activities together that are both fun and beneficial to reducing chronic back pain, you could be helping boost your friend’s mood. For example, swimming and yoga are fun ways to strengthen muscles and are activities both of you can do together.

Your friend may also need someone who’s willing to listen to his or her health concerns. If your friend doesn’t feel like hanging out, listen to them and let them know you’re happy to reschedule when they are feeling better. They may also want someone nearby to talk to about their pain. Hear them out and look for patterns of when they are saying the pain is worse. Noticing this, as well as complaints of medication side effects, can help the physicians at Southwest Spine and Pain Center tweak their treatment plan to something that works.

It’s the little things that are always appreciated. Bringing over something as small as an ice pack or a heating pad can really show someone you care! Start a conversation with, “Hey! I read that red cherries are great for patients who suffer from chronic pain! I found a cool red cherry recipe, let’s make it together.” Although you won’t be able to cure their chronic back pain, there are things you can do to be a positive influence on their physical health.

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With multiple locations across the state of Utah, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.