Back pain is one of the commonest causes of clinic visits and hospitalizations in Blue Bell, PA. The incidence is highest in the sixth and seventh decades of life with a slightly higher proportion of women being affected. The underlying causes are widely varied. They include, among others, trauma, infections, tumors as well as degenerative changes within spinal components. The pattern of symptoms in chronic back pain is likely to vary slightly depending on the part of the back that is affected and the cause.
Pain originates from the various structures that make up the spinal column. These include the bony structures (mainly the vertebra), ligaments, muscles, nerves and inter-vertebral discs. There is an increase in incidence with advancing age due to degenerative changes that affect these components. Osteoarthritis, an inflammatory condition that affects many large joints, is one of the major conditions encountered under this category.
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 therapy targets problems affecting muscles and joints. The main forms of physical therapy that exist include massage, supervised physical activity, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation and so on. After a few weeks of these treatments, muscle strength is significantly increased. It is important to note that patients will respond differently to these treatments depending on the type and severity of their condition.
Surgical intervention should only be considered if the conservative methods have failed. Spine surgeries are broadly classified into decompression operations and spinal fusion. Surgery tends to be successful in cases where symptoms are caused by a prolapsed disc or fractured vertebral body.
Pain originates from the various structures that make up the spinal column. These include the bony structures (mainly the vertebra), ligaments, muscles, nerves and inter-vertebral discs. There is an increase in incidence with advancing age due to degenerative changes that affect these components. Osteoarthritis, an inflammatory condition that affects many large joints, is one of the major conditions encountered under this category.
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 therapy targets problems affecting muscles and joints. The main forms of physical therapy that exist include massage, supervised physical activity, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation and so on. After a few weeks of these treatments, muscle strength is significantly increased. It is important to note that patients will respond differently to these treatments depending on the type and severity of their condition.
Surgical intervention should only be considered if the conservative methods have failed. Spine surgeries are broadly classified into decompression operations and spinal fusion. Surgery tends to be successful in cases where symptoms are caused by a prolapsed disc or fractured vertebral body.
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