The Management Of Chronic Back Pain
by Stephen Campbell
One of the commonest causes of hospital visits in Blue Bell, PA is back pain. This symptom is also associated with absenteeism from work and reduced productivity. The incidence is particularly high in persons who are in their sixth and seventh decade of life. There are slightly more cases among women than men. There are many different causes including trauma, tumors, degenerative conditions and infections among others. <a href="http://energywithintherapy.com">Chronic back pain</a> exhibits different symptomatic patterns depending on the 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.
If the cause is a tumor, it is important to determine whether the tumor in question originated from the spine or is a metastasis from another organ. The main types that originates from bone is multiple myeloma. In general, majority of cases that involve tumors are due to metastases. Examples include tumors originating from organs such as the kidneys, the prostate, the thyroid and the breast. If person with any of these tumors has back discomfort then metastasis should be suspected.
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.
When you visit your doctor, they will want a detailed history from you so as to figure out what the most likely diagnosis is. They will also take you through a physical examinations with a particular emphasis of the back. The next step is to undergo a series of tests (blood tests as well as radiological images) depending on the pattern of symptoms. A CT scan, an X-ray image and a radionuclide scan are among those that provide the most useful information.
There are a number of treatment options that exist. These are classified into pharmaceutical agents, physical therapies and surgical intervention. Analgesic drugs are chosen depending on the severity of symptoms. In cases of mild symptoms, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are typically used. Stronger drugs such as steroids and opioids are reserved for the 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 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.
When you are looking for the facts about <a href="http://energywithintherapy.com">chronic back pain</a>, come to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://energywithintherapy.com now.
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New Unique Article!
Title: The Management Of Chronic Back Pain
Author: Stephen Campbell
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: Chronic back pain
Word Count: 569
Category: Alternative Medicine
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