Get the Support You Need for Low Back Pain

Topic Overview

Low back pain can take its toll on your mental health. Fear, frustration, anger, depression, and anxiety are common reactions to ongoing pain and can make it last even longer. If pain is starting to get you down:

• Let people know when you need a helping hand. Enlist family members or friends to help out with physical tasks you can't do right now.
• Be frank with your doctor about how pain is affecting you. Ask for a referral to a counselor or pain management specialist. Your doctor may also see a need to prescribe a short course of antidepressant or antianxiety medication.
• Work with your health professional and work supervisor to develop a gradual return-to-work plan, if necessary. Request an ergonomic consultation if you need to learn how to do some of your job duties differently to avoid reinjury.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: February 3, 2010
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
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