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. Chronic back pain exhibits different symptomatic patterns depending on the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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