Management of a 65-Year-Old Woman with Low Back Pain in Geriatrics through a Family Medicine Approach at Tanjung Bintang Community Health Center: A Case Report

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal disorder commonly seen in older adults that can limit daily activities and reduce quality of life. This case report aimed to apply a holistic and comprehensive family medicine approach to the management of LBP in a geriatric patient and to identify her internal and external risk factors and clinical problems. Data were collected through autoanamnesis, alloanamnesis, physical examination, home visits, medical records, and the family folder, together with an assessment of family, psychosocial, and environmental aspects. The patient, Mrs. P, was a 65-year-old housewife who presented with low back pain that had persisted for one month, worsened over the previous three days, and radiated to both legs. The pain intensified with physical activity and eased with rest. The identified risk factors were advanced age and a habit of lifting heavy objects with improper posture. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions included patient education about the condition, activity modification, postural correction, and physical exercise, with the family involved in supporting recovery. After 10 days of intervention (three visits, 3–13 March 2025), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score decreased from 7 to 1, and the patient's knowledge score increased from 40 to 80. Because the patient received multimodal management, the improvement cannot be attributed to a single intervention. A family medicine approach is expected to support sustainable LBP management through the active involvement of the patient and her family.