How to Safely Manage Lower Back Pain in Dialysis Patients
Going through dialysis is challenging enough. Adding persistent back pain to those long hours in the chair can feel overwhelming.
The problem is extremely common. Lower back pain in dialysis patients is often caused by the hours of prolonged sitting, which stiffens muscles and puts pressure on the spine. It can also be related to muscle cramps from fluid shifts or underlying bone and mineral issues common in kidney disease.
The good news is that you don’t have to just endure it. However, it’s critical to manage the pain safely.
Disclaimer: Always speak with your nephrologist or dialysis care team before starting any new treatment or stretch.
In-Chair Comfort and Movement
The best place to start is by making your treatment time more comfortable.
- Ask for Support: Request a lumbar pillow or even a rolled-up towel to place behind the small of your back. This helps maintain your spine’s natural curve and reduces strain.
- Use Heat: A heating pad on a low setting, placed on your lower back, can work wonders for relaxing tight, sore muscles during your session.
- Gentle Movement: Small, approved movements can prevent stiffness. Try gentle ankle pumps, shoulder rolls, or slow pelvic tilts (gently tucking and untucking your tailbone) while seated.
A Critical Warning on Medication
This is the most important rule for lower back pain in dialysis patients: you cannot treat your pain like everyone else.
- AVOID NSAIDs: Never take over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. These can be harmful to patients with kidney disease.
- ASK FIRST: Talk to your nephrologist before taking any pain reliever, including acetaminophen. They must determine a safe dose for you. Topical pain-relief creams are often a much safer alternative for localized pain.
The Best Long-Term Solution: Physical Therapy
While these tips offer relief, the most effective long-term strategy for lower back pain in dialysis patients is building strength and flexibility.
A physical therapist can design a safe, customized exercise program. They can teach you:
- Core exercises to support your spine.
- Safe stretches to do at home and during dialysis.
- Posture corrections to reduce daily strain.
This proactive approach is the best way to manage pain for good.
Take Control of Your Back Pain
Don’t let pain be a part of your dialysis routine. Managing lower back pain in dialysis patients requires a specialized approach.
Take control of your comfort and mobility. Contact SK Physiocare today to schedule an assessment with a therapist who understands the unique needs of dialysis patients.