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.
Regardless of the exact cause, the discomfort results from a problem affecting spinal column components. These include the bony structures (mainly vertebral bodies) the inter-vertebral disc, ligaments and muscles. The reason as to why the incidence of this problem increases with age is the fact that some of these structures undergo degenerative changes and can no longer function properly. Osteoarthritis is a well-known degenerative bone condition that affects many large joints including those in the spine.
The tumors that affect the spine may either originate from the spine itself or may be metastasis originating from other organs. Multiple myeloma is the commonest primary tumor known to cause back discomfort. Most of the other cases are due to metastasis. The tumors that are likely to have metastatic to the spine include breast, thyroid, renal and prostate cancers. Metastasis should be suspected in persons that have any of these (or any other tumors) with back discomfort.
The pain that is caused by inter-vertebral disc herniation typically has a sudden onset. It may be severe or mild depending on the extent of displacement. In most cases, this symptom is preceded by a heavy lifting event or blunt force trauma to the back. Symptoms tend to be restricted to one side of the body and are usually worse on movement or when one assumes a seated position. The symptoms may be referred to the upper or lower limbs depending on the level at which slippage occurs.
To establish the diagnosis, the doctor will take a history of your condition then conduct a physical examination. A number of blood tests and radiological images may be needed depending on the nature of the illness. If an infection is suspected, for example, a septic screen will be done. In general, radiological images provide the most vital information. They include X-ray images, CT scans, MRI, CT scans and radionuclide scans among others.
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 may also be used but as a last resort. The two main types of surgical operations that may be performed are spinal fusion and decompression. Fusion is used when dealing with a destructive process while decompression is required in case of space occupying lesions.
Regardless of the exact cause, the discomfort results from a problem affecting spinal column components. These include the bony structures (mainly vertebral bodies) the inter-vertebral disc, ligaments and muscles. The reason as to why the incidence of this problem increases with age is the fact that some of these structures undergo degenerative changes and can no longer function properly. Osteoarthritis is a well-known degenerative bone condition that affects many large joints including those in the spine.
The tumors that affect the spine may either originate from the spine itself or may be metastasis originating from other organs. Multiple myeloma is the commonest primary tumor known to cause back discomfort. Most of the other cases are due to metastasis. The tumors that are likely to have metastatic to the spine include breast, thyroid, renal and prostate cancers. Metastasis should be suspected in persons that have any of these (or any other tumors) with back discomfort.
The pain that is caused by inter-vertebral disc herniation typically has a sudden onset. It may be severe or mild depending on the extent of displacement. In most cases, this symptom is preceded by a heavy lifting event or blunt force trauma to the back. Symptoms tend to be restricted to one side of the body and are usually worse on movement or when one assumes a seated position. The symptoms may be referred to the upper or lower limbs depending on the level at which slippage occurs.
To establish the diagnosis, the doctor will take a history of your condition then conduct a physical examination. A number of blood tests and radiological images may be needed depending on the nature of the illness. If an infection is suspected, for example, a septic screen will be done. In general, radiological images provide the most vital information. They include X-ray images, CT scans, MRI, CT scans and radionuclide scans among others.
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 may also be used but as a last resort. The two main types of surgical operations that may be performed are spinal fusion and decompression. Fusion is used when dealing with a destructive process while decompression is required in case of space occupying lesions.
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