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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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