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Back pain is one of the commonest causes of clinic visits and hospitalizations in Blue Bell, PA. The incidence is highest in the sixth and seventh decades of life with a slightly higher proportion of women being affected. The underlying causes are widely varied. They include, among others, trauma, infections, tumors as well as degenerative changes within spinal components. The pattern of symptoms in chronic back pain is likely to vary slightly depending on the part of the back that is affected and 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.
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 that are caused by slippage of the inter-vertebral disc usually starts as a sharp pain that progresses over time and remains constant if intervention does not take place. Blunt trauma to the back or a heavy lifting event are usually the predisposing factors. The symptoms characteristically affect one side of the body and are worse on movement. Depending on the level at which the slippage occurred either the lower or the upper limbs may 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 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 therapy targets problems affecting muscles and joints. The main forms of physical therapy that exist include massage, supervised physical activity, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation and so on. After a few weeks of these treatments, muscle strength is significantly increased. It is important to note that patients will respond differently to these treatments depending on the type and severity of their condition.
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.
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.
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 that are caused by slippage of the inter-vertebral disc usually starts as a sharp pain that progresses over time and remains constant if intervention does not take place. Blunt trauma to the back or a heavy lifting event are usually the predisposing factors. The symptoms characteristically affect one side of the body and are worse on movement. Depending on the level at which the slippage occurred either the lower or the upper limbs may 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 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 therapy targets problems affecting muscles and joints. The main forms of physical therapy that exist include massage, supervised physical activity, heat and cold therapy, electrical stimulation and so on. After a few weeks of these treatments, muscle strength is significantly increased. It is important to note that patients will respond differently to these treatments depending on the type and severity of their condition.
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.
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