Back pain is the most common cause of disability globally. It affects a majority of adults engaged in long working hours. For this reason, prevention measures should therefore be taken seriously to alleviate this problem. If prevention fails, treatment should be sought promptly and the necessary body exercises undertaken to regain normal function. Among the crucial facts on back pain Conroe residents need to understand are the symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment and prevention measures.
The symptom discomfort varies in character depending on severity. It could be dull, piercing or burning. It usually originates from nerves, muscles and the skeleton system but organs such as the pancreas and gall bladder may also be involved. Associated symptoms involve the site where the pain radiates which is most commonly, arms and legs. The patient may complain of weakness, tingling or even numbness.
Classification of this condition is important in making a diagnosis and management. According to anatomical site involved, the pain can be cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral. Based on how long the discomfort has lasted, it can be acute, sub acute or chronic. The upper limit for acute back ache is twelve weeks. Chronic pain lasts for more than twelve weeks while sub acute falls between six and twelve weeks.
No serious underlying disease can be pointed out in about ninety eight percent of patients diagnosed with this condition. However, in a few cases, conditions such as osteomyelitis, epidural abscess and metastatic cancer can be identified. The most common cause of impairment including weakness and loss of sensation is attributed to disc herniation which most often affects the last two lumbar inter-vertebral regions. Patients will often complain of numbness affecting their lower limbs.
There are certain warning signs of impending complications that need to be given utmost attention. Back ache that occurs after a traumatic event such as a road accident is one of the important warning sign. Also, patients having back problems superimposed on underlying cancer such as those involving the lungs should be examined for metastasis to the spine. Similarly, pain superimposed on bone disease such as osteoporosis should be probed further as the possibility of incurring a fracture of the spine is higher.
The aim in managing this condition is to achieve normal body function as much as possible. For chronic discomfort, approaches such as massage and exercise have been shown to be effective. It is recommended that these be done under the guidance of a health professional. Medication in chronic pain is debatable. However, in acute back discomfort, drugs such as muscle relaxants and opioids may be used.
When all else has failed, surgery can be considered. However, there are certain conditions where surgery is the main form of management. Unfortunately, the benefits of surgery may diminish in the long run. Examples of conditions where surgery is needed include lumbar disc herniation, compression fracture, scoliosis, spinal stenosis among others.
About five out of ten women experience back ache in pregnancy. The risk is hardly associated with the weight gain experienced in pregnancy or the birth weight of the baby. Instead, factors standing, sitting, bending forward put the mother at risk. To minimize the risk, the woman should avoid engaging in strenuous activities such as climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects.
The symptom discomfort varies in character depending on severity. It could be dull, piercing or burning. It usually originates from nerves, muscles and the skeleton system but organs such as the pancreas and gall bladder may also be involved. Associated symptoms involve the site where the pain radiates which is most commonly, arms and legs. The patient may complain of weakness, tingling or even numbness.
Classification of this condition is important in making a diagnosis and management. According to anatomical site involved, the pain can be cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral. Based on how long the discomfort has lasted, it can be acute, sub acute or chronic. The upper limit for acute back ache is twelve weeks. Chronic pain lasts for more than twelve weeks while sub acute falls between six and twelve weeks.
No serious underlying disease can be pointed out in about ninety eight percent of patients diagnosed with this condition. However, in a few cases, conditions such as osteomyelitis, epidural abscess and metastatic cancer can be identified. The most common cause of impairment including weakness and loss of sensation is attributed to disc herniation which most often affects the last two lumbar inter-vertebral regions. Patients will often complain of numbness affecting their lower limbs.
There are certain warning signs of impending complications that need to be given utmost attention. Back ache that occurs after a traumatic event such as a road accident is one of the important warning sign. Also, patients having back problems superimposed on underlying cancer such as those involving the lungs should be examined for metastasis to the spine. Similarly, pain superimposed on bone disease such as osteoporosis should be probed further as the possibility of incurring a fracture of the spine is higher.
The aim in managing this condition is to achieve normal body function as much as possible. For chronic discomfort, approaches such as massage and exercise have been shown to be effective. It is recommended that these be done under the guidance of a health professional. Medication in chronic pain is debatable. However, in acute back discomfort, drugs such as muscle relaxants and opioids may be used.
When all else has failed, surgery can be considered. However, there are certain conditions where surgery is the main form of management. Unfortunately, the benefits of surgery may diminish in the long run. Examples of conditions where surgery is needed include lumbar disc herniation, compression fracture, scoliosis, spinal stenosis among others.
About five out of ten women experience back ache in pregnancy. The risk is hardly associated with the weight gain experienced in pregnancy or the birth weight of the baby. Instead, factors standing, sitting, bending forward put the mother at risk. To minimize the risk, the woman should avoid engaging in strenuous activities such as climbing stairs or lifting heavy objects.
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