Diagnoses of nursing and complementary therapies in women with chronic low back pain

Objective: to identify nursing diagnoses and complementary therapies in women with chronic low back pain. Methods: Study approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal do Maranhão(Federal University of Maranhão), opinion No. 3.180.211. Individual interviews were carried out, the Visual Analogue Scale was applied, specific tests for low back pain and complementary therapy sessions. The study included 15 women with complaints of chronic low back pain who attended complementary therapy sessions (health education, massage therapy, application of thermal change (heat/cold) and relaxation.Results: Four (4) nursing diagnoses were identified, in at least half or more of women with chronic low back pain, according to NANDA-I Taxonomy:Chronic pain, impaired sleep pattern, low situational self-esteem and impaired walking. It was found that women with severe, moderate and mild low back pain consumed five, three and two medications respectively, between analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs in the first session and that these amounts were reduced during the sessions. Most women (73%) presented a decrease of their body weight. Conclusion: Chronic low back pain causes social isolation and a feeling of worthlessness, but complementary measures enable the real perception of the pain and of the mechanism of interference in their lives, which promotes autonomy, self-care, comfort, well-being and self-esteem.