Problem Ms. J. is a 30-year-old healthy single mother with two children. She has

Question

Problem Ms. J. is a 30-year-old healthy single mother with two children. She has worked as a paramedic in her community for 6 years. She and her partner responded to a call involving a man who had been drinking heavily at a family party and who was partially conscious. When she and her partner attempted to transfer the 100-kg man to a stretcher, the man grabbed her neck, causing her severe pain. Ms. J.'s doctor diagnosed a spinal injury and completed papers for Ms. J. to be absent from work. He recommended rest and application of heat and cold to the neck. One week later, Ms. J. saw him again, reporting continuing pain. She was referred to a specialist who told her she had a herniated disk in the cervical area of her neck and would require ongoing care and rehabilitation. Ms. J. has been on disability leave for 6 months, during which she has continued to have severe neck, jaw, and back pain. She takes acetaminophen with codeine as required, and sees a physiotherapist and a registered massage therapist routinely in an attempt to control chronic pain. She is worried that her disability benefits will cease before she can return to work and has incurred debts during her leave. She also finds it difficult to care for her two children and keep the house clean.

Explanation / Answer

1. Because it is a herniated disc the pain perception is not that significant like a disc relocation and the pain is less. Medicines, Physiotherapy might help to reduce pain.

2. Stronger narcotics are required if the pain perception is high and also there is a significant injury. Being a herniated disc, the doctor perhaps may have suggested the low medications.

3. because the herniated disc pushed the spinal nerves there is a greater chance that the pain is felt elsewhere

4. massage and physiotherapy might help to soothe the paining nerves or their help to get back the herniating disc to its previous position.

5. community pool exercises like swimming and diving might give a good exercise to the spinal cord and bring back the disc position. care should be taken not to do heavy exercises or straining back.

6. acupuncture is using needles, heat, and pressure to pain points to reduce pain. a reasonable option for chronic pain. acupuncture inactivates pain by modulating endorphin levels.

7. work may increase her strain and her back may be subjected to more stress and might bring back her disc problem and pain.

8. careful with her spine and bending, kneeling have to be cautious and she keeps her ergonomics in proper condition.

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