Chronic pain
Osteoarthritis-associated pain management in patients with comorbiditiesAna (59 years old)
Ana is a 59-years-old geriatric aide 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
- 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 (Visual Analogue Scale [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.