Pain Management Triage

INJURY HISTORY: The patient, a 45-year-old male, sustained a lower back injury on September 15, 2023, while lifting heavy boxes at his workplace. The injury occurred in the warehouse where he works, and the mechanism of injury involved sudden twisting and bending. CURRENT PAIN EXPERIENCE: The patient reports experiencing sharp, stabbing pain localized to the lower back, with an intensity of 7 out of 10 on the pain scale. The pain radiates down the left leg and is accompanied by numbness and tingling. MEDICAL: The patient has a history of chronic lower back pain and underwent lumbar spine surgery in 2018. He is currently taking ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours for pain management. The patient has no known allergies to medications. CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS/INDIVIDUAL NEEDS: The patient prefers to incorporate holistic approaches, such as yoga and meditation, into his treatment plan due to his cultural beliefs. He also requests a male physical therapist for his rehabilitation sessions. IMPACT OF PAIN: The patient's pain significantly affects his ability to perform daily activities, including bending, lifting, and prolonged sitting. He has been unable to work since the injury and reports increased irritability and stress in his personal relationships. His current level of functioning is limited, with difficulty walking and standing for extended periods.