Back pain affects men and women in almost equal proportions. The incidence increases as age advances hence it will affect a significant number of seniors. Generally, it is classified into acute and chronic. The acute form is that which has been in existence for two weeks or less while the chronic form is pain that has been experienced for more than two weeks. There are some facts on back pain relief Blue Bell, PA clients need to know if they are struggling with this problem.
The management of this condition is determined by the underlying problem. In most acute cases, the cause is a muscular strain that tends to resolve within a few days even without treatment. The preceding event is, in most cases, strenuous physical activity. Failure to respond to over the counter analgesic agents may lead to chronicity.
Among the commonest causes of chronic back ache is a degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis. The condition affects large joints including the ankle joint, the knee joint, the hip joint and intervertebral joints. The problem is often seen from the sixth decade of life. The discomfort has been observed to be aggravated by movements taking place at the affected joints.
There is no definitive treatment for this problem. Over the counter analgesic agents are usually prescribed. They include non-steroidal analgesic agents such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen among others. If these fail to relieve the pain, stronger drugs such as opioids may be used. Surgery is reserved for the very severe cases and involves placement of prostheses to replace affected articular surfaces. Exercise has a role as well.
Infections have been found to be the cause of back discomfort in some cases. Intravenous antibiotics will be prescribed if the offending agent is suspected to be bacterial. Tuberculosis of the spine, is a severely debilitating illness that may require surgical intervention including, but not limited to spinal fusion. This is because of the associated destruction of vertebral bodies that leads to significant spinal instability.
Tumors may be involved in one of two ways; as primary bone tumors affecting the spine or as secondary tumors (metastasis). Multiple myeloma is the commonest bone tumor that affects bones primarily. Others include osteogenic sarcoma, giant cell tumors and so on. Secondary tumors that metastasize to the spine and cause pain may originate from the thyroid, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland. As is the case with other types of cancers, treatment is through chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery depending on the stage.
Other than the medical and surgical options, there are other treatments that one may try out. One of the most effective alternatives is physical therapy. Physical therapy comprises two main components: active and passive exercises. Active exercises have to be done by the patients themselves. Passive exercises, on the other hand, are done with the assistance of the therapist. Having both types at the same time increases the chances of success.
Acupressure and acupuncture are other options that one may consider. Acupuncture is said to work by restoring the normal flow of life energy (also known as qi). This is made possible through the use of fine needles that are inserted into the body in predetermined regions. Acupressure is done similarly but the palm of the hand is used to apply pressure instead of needles.
The management of this condition is determined by the underlying problem. In most acute cases, the cause is a muscular strain that tends to resolve within a few days even without treatment. The preceding event is, in most cases, strenuous physical activity. Failure to respond to over the counter analgesic agents may lead to chronicity.
Among the commonest causes of chronic back ache is a degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis. The condition affects large joints including the ankle joint, the knee joint, the hip joint and intervertebral joints. The problem is often seen from the sixth decade of life. The discomfort has been observed to be aggravated by movements taking place at the affected joints.
There is no definitive treatment for this problem. Over the counter analgesic agents are usually prescribed. They include non-steroidal analgesic agents such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen among others. If these fail to relieve the pain, stronger drugs such as opioids may be used. Surgery is reserved for the very severe cases and involves placement of prostheses to replace affected articular surfaces. Exercise has a role as well.
Infections have been found to be the cause of back discomfort in some cases. Intravenous antibiotics will be prescribed if the offending agent is suspected to be bacterial. Tuberculosis of the spine, is a severely debilitating illness that may require surgical intervention including, but not limited to spinal fusion. This is because of the associated destruction of vertebral bodies that leads to significant spinal instability.
Tumors may be involved in one of two ways; as primary bone tumors affecting the spine or as secondary tumors (metastasis). Multiple myeloma is the commonest bone tumor that affects bones primarily. Others include osteogenic sarcoma, giant cell tumors and so on. Secondary tumors that metastasize to the spine and cause pain may originate from the thyroid, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland. As is the case with other types of cancers, treatment is through chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery depending on the stage.
Other than the medical and surgical options, there are other treatments that one may try out. One of the most effective alternatives is physical therapy. Physical therapy comprises two main components: active and passive exercises. Active exercises have to be done by the patients themselves. Passive exercises, on the other hand, are done with the assistance of the therapist. Having both types at the same time increases the chances of success.
Acupressure and acupuncture are other options that one may consider. Acupuncture is said to work by restoring the normal flow of life energy (also known as qi). This is made possible through the use of fine needles that are inserted into the body in predetermined regions. Acupressure is done similarly but the palm of the hand is used to apply pressure instead of needles.
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