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.
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 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.
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.
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.
There are different types of treatments that exist. They are broadly classified into drugs, surgery and physical therapy. Drugs are used to help minimize the discomfort, inflammation or to clear infections. For mild discomfort, simple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs such as naproxen, acetaminophen and aspirin can be used. More severe symptoms require stronger analgesic agents such as opioids and steroids.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
There are different types of treatments that exist. They are broadly classified into drugs, surgery and physical therapy. Drugs are used to help minimize the discomfort, inflammation or to clear infections. For mild discomfort, simple non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs such as naproxen, acetaminophen and aspirin can be used. More severe symptoms require stronger analgesic agents such as opioids and steroids.
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.
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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