Nursing Care Plan for Low Back Pain

Chronic pain in the lumbar region usually caused by the straining of paravertebral muscles, herniation, and degeneration of the nucleus pulposus, osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine.

Nursing diagnosis for low back pain: Chronic pain relater to intermittent physical discomfort and disability caused by degenerative processes, strain, poor body mechanics.

Expected Outcomes: Reduced or relief of pain for extended lengths of time evidenced by absence of muscle spasm and verbalizations that able to manage pain effectively.

Nursing intervention with rationale:
I. Assess for:
1. Location, length and severity of pain, posture, body mechanics (sitting, standing, stooping, walking), what relieves or precipitates back pain.
Rationale: Provides data base for control of and prevention of pain.

II. Administer:
1. Analgesic (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
Rationale: Acts to control pain by interfering with CNS pain pathways.

2. Muscle relaxants (dantrolene)
Rationale: Acts to relax muscle spasm.

III. Perform or Provide:
1. Cold or heat application; massage to area every 4 hours.
Rationale: Provides comfort and relaxation of muscles to ease pain.

2. Bedrest with head elevated and knees flexed.
Rationale: Promotes comfort and relieves tension on back.

3. Pelvic traction continuously in proper body alignment.
Relieves pressure on nerves of lumbosacral area.