How to Combat Back Pain Caused by COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term for lung related diseases. They are grouped together for their similar symptoms and care directives. Back pain is a common inconvenience caused by COPD. Inflammatory cytokines are activated in COPD patients, which may cause pain in the back and joints. Back pain could also be due to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. These two conditions are reported in about 20% of COPD patients. Osteoporosis is the thinning of the bones, which leads to frequent fractures. The pain could also be caused by something as uncomplicated as inactivity. Whatever the reason is for back pain, the patient should let their physician know so they can get advice on how to be relieved of the pain. There are some general tips to relieve back pain and then there are some specialized ones. However, only the physician can give proper advice depending on the cause of pain and lung function. Below are some general guidelines on how to deal with COPD back pain.

1. Heat

The first 24-48 hours pain can be tolerated by chilling the affected area. After this, patients can apply a little heat. These actions are geared towards relaxing the muscles on the back. Heating pads, heating wraps, hot baths and warm gel wraps are some of the tools to use for a simple home heat therapy. Even a regular water bottle could be useful in the absence of these. Heat dilates the blood vessels in the back subsequently increasing flow of oxygen and nutrients to the spine. It also stimulates sensory receptors to decrease the pain signals being sent to the brain. This method of pain relief is inexpensive and easy. The patient should ensure it is not so hot that it burns the skin. If the pain persists then medical intervention is necessary.

2. Physical Activity

Exercise features quite prominently in the wellness of a COPD patient. There is a recommended list of exercises for COPD patients. The activities on that list are meant to keep the body mobile thus avoiding some of these consequent pains. Often patients forget that they are ailing and end up exhausting themselves. It is important to remember to pace oneself. Too little activity is also a problem. Some COPD patients avoid moving too much for fear of pain. This causes the spine to tense up. It is okay to take a walk or even do aerobics, with permission from the doctor of course. 

3. Muscle Stretch

For the less severe COPD patients who still go to work, they should try to stretch at least once every hour. Sitting in one position and even worse, slumped over, can cause massive pain in the back for any person. Their workspaces should also be arranged ergonomically. They should have chairs with proper back and neck support. Yoga is an important tool in this aspect.

4. Diet and Weight

All COPD patients, whether they are experiencing pains or not, should eat a very well balanced diet. The food should be rich in essential nutrients. Low fat proteins, complex carbohydrates, a lot of fruits and vegetables and foods rich in potassium are some of the dietary requirements. A patient may also be asked to avoid, caffeine, dairy and salt in addition to some fruits and vegetables. Dairy may seem like a bit of an odd restriction but it thickens phlegm therefore blocking the respiratory passages. This causes irritation and coughing which will most definitely cause back and chest pain. In the same respect, optimum weight should be maintained. A Body Mass Index of around 30kg/m² is recommended. Not so overweight that they can hardly breath and not so underweight that they feel weak at all times. 

5. No smoking

Smoking is harmful to everyone’s health. It is worse for COPD patients. Research has proved relation between smoking and degeneration of intervertebral dics. Nicotine was found to restrict blood flow to the discs that cushion the vertebrae. To decrease the prevalence of back pain and COPD exacerbation.

6. Acupuncture

This is a form of alternative medicine where thin needles are inserted into the skin at strategic points. This helps the body embark on a natural self-healing process. Acupuncture has the ability to stimulate the nervous system, release neurotransmitters and trigger electromagnetic impulses. All these reactions affect pain. However, this is a controversial practice as some call it a pseudoscience with its effectiveness only being due to the placebo effect. In addition to letting the physician know about acupuncture plans, the patient should make sure to find an accredited acupuncture professional. The practitioner should be licensed and trained lest they harm the patient. One could also try out massage. Professionals knead the body applying pressure where necessary by this technique. The setting and oils used in massage are all aimed towards maximum relaxation of the person before the muscles themselves can soften. This has been reported to be very effective in the alleviation of pain and would be especially helpful for COPD patients. 

7. Stress Free

It is very common for emotional and psychological pain to cause physical pain. When one is stressed, the body does not function properly. It is a matter of grave importance that a patient lives a life free of worry and stress. It may be easier said than done but considering the health benefits, it is a goal worth chasing. It may start with simple pleasure. A bike ride, for example. It is not too much physical exertion and yet it provides the endorphins that improve moods and alleviate pain. There are many COPD support groups. One may join one just for the companionship and understanding offered therein. It is easy to be tempted to become a recluse but that urge should be fought, as it does nothing for the patient’s welfare. 

8. Guided Imagery

This is a technique by skilled practitioners whereby the imagination is focused in a proactive and positive way. They help participants generate mental images that create sensory perceptions. This practice brings up mental content that elicits strong emotion. It takes advantage of the connection between visual brain and involuntary nervous system. Visualization therapy, as it is otherwise called, has been used extensively to lower blood pressure and relieve stress. It also helps in the struggle to quit smoking, which is essential for COPD patients. This form of therapy is also known to manage pain and promote healing. 

Chemical Intervention

General relief tips may not be very helpful to a COPD patient. The patient should see a doctor for a treatment plan that is in line with their medical history. Any type of pain for a COPD patient should be taken very seriously. COPD patients are often prescribed a dose of steroids for dyspnea episodes and other situations. These steroids can worsen back pain if it is due to osteoporosis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for osteoporosis cases. However, the patient should be very careful as overdose could lead to stomach bleed and other serious complications. 

1. Over the Counter Painkillers

The doctor might determine pain to be only mild to moderate. In this case, non-steroidal pain medication will be prescribed with detailed instructions on how to take them. It is imperative that the patient follow doctor’s orders concerning medication and treatment plan.

2. Narcotic Painkillers

This very strong pain medication can only be bought with a prescription. They are potentially addictive but they work quite well for moderate to severe back pain. A doctor would determine the dosage with other prescribed medication in mind, careful not to overmedicate the body.

3. Pulmonary Rehabilitation

This is an interactive program where COPD patients learn how to cope and live the highest quality of life possible. The program integrates exercise, education and support. Exercise covers activity, education covers what to and not to do while support covers mental health. In some cases, back pain is caused by stress and feelings of despair. The support offered at Pulmonary Rehabilitation will cover this extensively.

4. Calcium and Vitamin D

For strong bones and prevention of osteoporosis, the body needs to have adequate calcium. Vitamin D, or sunshine to keep it simple, helps in the absorption of Calcium. It is not entirely necessary for one to take supplements but the physician’s advice should be considered on this matter. Effects are not immediate but the patient’s pain will decrease gradually.

5. Anti-depressants

Physical pain will sometimes be brought about by emotional and psychological pain. Living with COPD can be very distressing and the support suggested above might not be useful. Therefore, the doctor will prescribe anti-depressants to attack the emotional root of the back pain.

6. Radiofrequency Ablation

Science is constantly advancing to better human lives. This method of pain relief involves a heated needle and is targeted towards pain carrying nerves. The needle interferes with the transport of pain information to the brain. However, this is a little extreme and requires a doctor’s stamp of approval. This could be a last resort. 

Take Heed

There could be a variety of causes for back pain for COPD patients. Whatever the cause, a patient should see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out dire complications. COPD patients should not ignore back pain as it could worsen their anxiety or otherwise negatively affect mental health, limit activity and contribute to a COPD flare up. The tips and medications given may not necessarily cure back pain. The aim is, first and foremost, to improve the quality of life of the COPD patient. 

Source Links

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/chronic-pain-relief-new-treatments#3

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S095461111200114X

http://blog.copdstore.com/8-lifestyle-improving-copd-pain-management-techniques