Basic Facts Relating To Chronic Back Pain
One of the leading causes of hospital visits in Blue Bell, PA is back pain. The symptom has been shown to significantly contribute to work absenteeism. In terms of epidimiology, it is seen mostly in persons that are in their sixth and seventh decades in life. The incidence is slightly higher in women than men. The causes of this problem are many and include trauma, tumors, infective processes, degenerative conditions and trauma among others. The symptomatic pattern of chronic back pain may vary depending on the underlying cause.
In general the discomfort originates from the spinal components. These include the body skeleton (vertebral bodies), the muscles, ligaments, and the inter-vertebral disc. The incidence appears to increase with age because of degenerative changes that affect these structures. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common condition under the degenerative conditions category. It is the result of wear and tear at the inter-vertebral joints.
The tumors that cause back ache may originate from the spinal column itself or may be distant metastases from other affected organs. The commonest tumor that originates from bone and is likely to affect the spine is multiple myeloma. Overall, causes that are attributable to the presence of tumors are caused by metastases. Examples of tumors that frequently metastasize to the spine include those from the thyroid, the breasts, the kidneys and the prostate.
Symptoms resulting from slippage of an inter-vertebral disc usually have a sudden onset. If unattended, it remains constant or may be experienced from time to time. In a majority of the cases, the symptoms follow a heavy lifting event or a blunt force to the back. Typically, the symptoms tend to be experienced on one side of the body and are worsened with activity. The level of slippage determines whether the lower or the upper limbs will be affected.
When you visit your doctor, they will want a detailed history from you so as to figure out what the most likely diagnosis is. They will also take you through a physical examinations with a particular emphasis of the back. The next step is to undergo a series of tests (blood tests as well as radiological images) depending on the pattern of symptoms. A CT scan, an X-ray image and a radionuclide scan are among those that provide the most useful information.
The treatment of this condition depends on the cause. Broadly, the interventions that exist are divided into physical therapies, surgery and drugs. Drugs are mainly used to relieve symptoms and to minimize inflammation. Antibiotics are the drugs of choice in cases of infections. Mild pain is usually treated with over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Stronger drugs such as opioids and steroids are used in severe cases.
Physical therapies are of different forms. They are mainly targeted and correcting conditions affecting muscles and joints. Examples of those that are used commonly include electrical stimulation, heat and cold treatments, massage and physical exercise. Increased muscle strength is one of the benefits likely to be realized. It is important to note that patients will exhibit varied responses depending on the severity of their illness.
Surgery is usually used as a last resort. There are two main types of surguries that can be performed namely; spinal fusion and decompression. When the cause of symptoms is a prolapsed disc or vertebral components, surgery tends to yield good results.
In general the discomfort originates from the spinal components. These include the body skeleton (vertebral bodies), the muscles, ligaments, and the inter-vertebral disc. The incidence appears to increase with age because of degenerative changes that affect these structures. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common condition under the degenerative conditions category. It is the result of wear and tear at the inter-vertebral joints.
The tumors that cause back ache may originate from the spinal column itself or may be distant metastases from other affected organs. The commonest tumor that originates from bone and is likely to affect the spine is multiple myeloma. Overall, causes that are attributable to the presence of tumors are caused by metastases. Examples of tumors that frequently metastasize to the spine include those from the thyroid, the breasts, the kidneys and the prostate.
Symptoms resulting from slippage of an inter-vertebral disc usually have a sudden onset. If unattended, it remains constant or may be experienced from time to time. In a majority of the cases, the symptoms follow a heavy lifting event or a blunt force to the back. Typically, the symptoms tend to be experienced on one side of the body and are worsened with activity. The level of slippage determines whether the lower or the upper limbs will be affected.
When you visit your doctor, they will want a detailed history from you so as to figure out what the most likely diagnosis is. They will also take you through a physical examinations with a particular emphasis of the back. The next step is to undergo a series of tests (blood tests as well as radiological images) depending on the pattern of symptoms. A CT scan, an X-ray image and a radionuclide scan are among those that provide the most useful information.
The treatment of this condition depends on the cause. Broadly, the interventions that exist are divided into physical therapies, surgery and drugs. Drugs are mainly used to relieve symptoms and to minimize inflammation. Antibiotics are the drugs of choice in cases of infections. Mild pain is usually treated with over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Stronger drugs such as opioids and steroids are used in severe cases.
Physical therapies are of different forms. They are mainly targeted and correcting conditions affecting muscles and joints. Examples of those that are used commonly include electrical stimulation, heat and cold treatments, massage and physical exercise. Increased muscle strength is one of the benefits likely to be realized. It is important to note that patients will exhibit varied responses depending on the severity of their illness.
Surgery is usually used as a last resort. There are two main types of surguries that can be performed namely; spinal fusion and decompression. When the cause of symptoms is a prolapsed disc or vertebral components, surgery tends to yield good results.
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