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Back Pain: Caring for Someone Suffering with Chronic Pain

In-Home Caregiving: Caring for a Loved One with Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common ailments in our country. Millions of people are living with a variety of back pain conditions. Of course, just as many people are in the position of caring for a loved one with back pain. Their lives are affected as well. As people with back pain work to relieve their pain and progress through treatment, they certainly benefit from a helping hand. If you are a caregiver for someone suffering from back pain, your help is invaluable. Below are some suggestions for how to help your loved one recover AND how to maintain a good quality of life for both of you:

Staying in the Home

Most of us prefer to stay in the comfort of our own homes, especially when recovering from illness or injury, or dealing with pain and discomfort. The psychological benefits of a familiar and safe environment are a crucial part of the healing process. Often making only a few design or structural changes around the house can maximize the patient's recovery and ease the caregiver's peace of mind.

Kevin O'Connor of Miracle Contracting in Fort Wayne tells us: "A large part of our business is our home modifications for seniors and others living with mobility issues. People want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible and often with only very minor modifications, we are able to make this a reality. Installing grab bars in the shower or by the toilet will allow people to easily move around the bathroom. Another easy home modification would be to convert a first floor room to a bedroom. This allows the patient to stay in their home without having to navigate stairs."

Daily Life

It is not necessary to eliminate all activity for the patient. Movement and appropriate exercise are good for recovery. But eliminating or reducing things that cause back strain can go a long way to improve your loved one's state of mind.


Emotional Support

Showing that you understand and want to help can make you both feel better about the situation. Some suggested ways to show emotional support:

Take time to recharge

Caring for someone who suffers with chronic back pain is no easy task. Many times the caregivers puts their needs aside to help their loved one. However, the added stress, both mentally and physically, can take a toll on a caregiver and can affect your own health. Make time to help yourself too. Don't feel like you need to take on this task on your own. Create a support group and ask a friend or family member to help out for an hour or two once or twice a week while you take some time for yourself. Grab a movie or dinner with a friend, take a stroll around the block, catch up on some reading or a favorite activity. Taking the time to refresh will allow you to better care for your loved one.

Making a variety of adjustments to daily life can serve both you and your loved one well in the recovery process. If you or somene you know is suffering with back pain, contact Fort Wayne Chiropractor, Busch Chiropractic, today at (260) 471-4090 to find out about our non-surgical back pain treatment. A back pain care plan is important to improve the quality of life for our patients and their families.

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