Principles Regarding Back Pain Conroe Patients May Need To Know

By Angela Hamilton


Being the leading cause of disability worldwide, back pain management and prevention should be given the seriousness it deserves. Not only does it affect people in the employment sector but nine out of ten adults have this condition at some point in their lives. Basic information on back pain Conroe inhabitants may find crucial include the causes, risk factors, symptoms among others.

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.

This condition can be classified according to the region affected, character or duration of symptoms. Anatomically, it can affect the cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral region. An ache that lasts for a period of up to twelve weeks is said to be acute, while one that goes beyond is said to be chronic. Pain lasting between six and twelve weeks is said to be sub acute. Based on character, the symptoms can be nonspecific or radiating in nature.

In over ninety percent of patients, the cause of the symptoms is unknown. No medical condition can be attributed to the discomfort. Only about two percent of cases have underlying disease. Some known causes include inflammation of bone, cancer, dislocation spinal discs, among others.Herniation of spinal discs, also a known cause, frequently results in accompanying neurological impairment. The most common site involved is the lumbar region of the spine, particularly the last two vertebrae.

Under special circumstances, the disorder should be considered with urgency and seriousness it requires. For instance, discomfort occurring after trauma may indicate a fracture. People experiencing this symptom with a known history of cancer should be investigated further for metastasis to the spine. Also, people who develop back pain with underlying conditions such as osteoporosis should be checked further since they are at risk of spinal fracture.

Regardless of the technique used in treatment, the goal is to restore comfort and normal functionality of the individual. For patients with chronic back ache, medication may not be the best approach as the drugs only achieve short term relief. Medication may therefore only be suitable for the acute phase. Treatments such as massage and guided exercises may be effective for chronic symptoms.

Surgical treatment usually comes last, when all other treatments fail. It is not considered first line due to the long term risks associated with it. Some of the circumstances where surgery may be considered include dislocation of a spinal disc, compression fracture, scoliosis, degenerative joint disease causing spinal stenosis among other conditions.

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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