How to manage severe back pain with hypertension in my father?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am reaching out for some treatment and pain management advice. My father has severe and chronic back issues due to a number of things and has had about seven to eight back surgeries. In addition to that, he suffers from hypertension with extremely high BP a few times a week and his BP meds aren’t working for him anymore. He is prescribed many pain medications, however, he is very hesitant to take them when he needs to, resulting in an increased pain level and BP. How can I help him manage and balance these two critical elements? He is a 41 y/o man and is not overweight. Looking for insight as to how he can manage his BP levels and other options to treat the back pain besides taking and being prescribed opioids. Anything helps, thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com

You need to consult a good physician and get your father's blood pressure under absolute control. Also, talk to him, counsel him, and make him relax and calm that everything is going to be fine. The more stress he takes, the higher the Blood pressure goes. Meditation can really help. For chronic back pain, hot water fomentation twice daily, and gradually start him on back physiotherapy- back strengthening exercises, core and abdominal exercises. Also, postural exercises.

Two days of physiotherapy would not help. You need to continue doing physiotherapy as a daily routine. Avoid heavy weight lifting or any work that aggravates pain. Continue this for three weeks and let me know the results. Avoid excessive analgesics. The advice is on the assumption that your father is not having any radiating pain in his legs, no weakness of lower limbs, no tingling or numbness, and no bowel or bladder disturbances.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.