Back ache is a common problem among both men and women. Both are affected in almost the same proportions. The incidence becomes higher with advancing age. For ease of management, it is divided into acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is that which has been experienced for not more than two weeks while chronic pain is that which has existed for more than two weeks. Blue Bell, PA residents need to understand a number of things when looking for back pain relief.
The management of this condition is determined by the underlying problem. In most acute cases, the cause is a muscular strain that tends to resolve within a few days even without treatment. The preceding event is, in most cases, strenuous physical activity. Failure to respond to over the counter analgesic agents may lead to chronicity.
Among the commonest causes of chronic back ache is a degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis. The condition affects large joints including the ankle joint, the knee joint, the hip joint and intervertebral joints. The problem is often seen from the sixth decade of life. The discomfort has been observed to be aggravated by movements taking place at the affected joints.
No definitive treatment for osteoarthritis exists. The main method that is used for relief is over the counter analgesic drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and aspirin. Steroids and opioids may be prescribed if the NSAIDs prove ineffective. Exercise is often prescribed alongside these drugs. Surgery is reserved for the most severe forms that are characterized by extensive damage to the articular surfaces.
Infections are another cause of both acute and chronic pain. If the causative agent is isolated and found to be bacterial, antibiotics are usually prescribed and they provide relief in a matter of days. The most feared infection is tuberculosis. This is because, the infection usually destroys the vertebral bodies and may result in marked spinal instability. Surgery (spinal fusion) is often required to restore normalcy.
Tumors may be involved in one of two ways; as primary bone tumors affecting the spine or as secondary tumors (metastasis). Multiple myeloma is the commonest bone tumor that affects bones primarily. Others include osteogenic sarcoma, giant cell tumors and so on. Secondary tumors that metastasize to the spine and cause pain may originate from the thyroid, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland. As is the case with other types of cancers, treatment is through chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery depending on the stage.
Apart from medical therapies, there are a number of other treatments that have been tried successfully for this problem. Physical therapy is among those that are most effective. It consist of two forms; passive and active exercises. Active exercises are those that are done by the patients themselves while passive exercises are conducted by the therapist. The common practice is to combine both forms so as to optimize on the results.
Acupuncture and acupressure have been tried with varied success. Acupuncture is based on the belief that wellness is dependent on the normal flow of life energy in the body and sickness occurs due to disordered flow. When special needles are inserted into predetermined areas, they help to restore a state of normalcy. Acupressure works in the same way but uses palm pressure instead of needles.
The management of this condition is determined by the underlying problem. In most acute cases, the cause is a muscular strain that tends to resolve within a few days even without treatment. The preceding event is, in most cases, strenuous physical activity. Failure to respond to over the counter analgesic agents may lead to chronicity.
Among the commonest causes of chronic back ache is a degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis. The condition affects large joints including the ankle joint, the knee joint, the hip joint and intervertebral joints. The problem is often seen from the sixth decade of life. The discomfort has been observed to be aggravated by movements taking place at the affected joints.
No definitive treatment for osteoarthritis exists. The main method that is used for relief is over the counter analgesic drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and aspirin. Steroids and opioids may be prescribed if the NSAIDs prove ineffective. Exercise is often prescribed alongside these drugs. Surgery is reserved for the most severe forms that are characterized by extensive damage to the articular surfaces.
Infections are another cause of both acute and chronic pain. If the causative agent is isolated and found to be bacterial, antibiotics are usually prescribed and they provide relief in a matter of days. The most feared infection is tuberculosis. This is because, the infection usually destroys the vertebral bodies and may result in marked spinal instability. Surgery (spinal fusion) is often required to restore normalcy.
Tumors may be involved in one of two ways; as primary bone tumors affecting the spine or as secondary tumors (metastasis). Multiple myeloma is the commonest bone tumor that affects bones primarily. Others include osteogenic sarcoma, giant cell tumors and so on. Secondary tumors that metastasize to the spine and cause pain may originate from the thyroid, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland. As is the case with other types of cancers, treatment is through chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery depending on the stage.
Apart from medical therapies, there are a number of other treatments that have been tried successfully for this problem. Physical therapy is among those that are most effective. It consist of two forms; passive and active exercises. Active exercises are those that are done by the patients themselves while passive exercises are conducted by the therapist. The common practice is to combine both forms so as to optimize on the results.
Acupuncture and acupressure have been tried with varied success. Acupuncture is based on the belief that wellness is dependent on the normal flow of life energy in the body and sickness occurs due to disordered flow. When special needles are inserted into predetermined areas, they help to restore a state of normalcy. Acupressure works in the same way but uses palm pressure instead of needles.
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