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 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 most effective for conditions that affect joints and muscles. Examples of commonly used therapies include massage, heat and cold treatments, physical exercises and electrical stimulation among others. One of the mechanisms involved in these treatments is strengthening of muscles. Patients usually exhibit different responses depending on the nature 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 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 most effective for conditions that affect joints and muscles. Examples of commonly used therapies include massage, heat and cold treatments, physical exercises and electrical stimulation among others. One of the mechanisms involved in these treatments is strengthening of muscles. Patients usually exhibit different responses depending on the nature 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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