Chronic pain
Osteoarthritis-associated pain management in patients with comorbiditiesDiana (59 years old)
Diana is a 59-years-old physics professor who has been struggling with low back pain for 10 years.
In her medical record, the following is noted:
- Former smoker (15 pack years)
- No alcohol consumption
- BMI: 32
- Hypertension (treated with olmesartan 20 mg 1/day)
- Lumbar facet joint OA with intervertebral disc degeneration (treated with paracetamol 1 g, as needed)
She presents to your clinic with worsening and continuous low back pain (VAS: 7/10). Paracetamol insufficiently alleviates the pain, leaving her unable to resume daily activities.
She feels increasingly frustrated about the pain, so she asks for help.