Conditions that cause back pain are many and varied. While some cases of the problem are self-limiting, others persist and require major interventions and long term rehabilitation. The important thing on back pain NYC residents need to know is that they should seek medical care in time so as to prevent progression. In this article, we will look at some of the common causes of this problem and how they can be managed.
The general practitioner will initiate the treatment process by taking a medical history and conducting a physical examination. Imaging studies in the form of CT scans, X-rays and MRI are often needed to examine the integrity of connective tissues in the affected region. Blood tests are required if infections are suspected. After undergoing the work-up, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon or a physiotherapist.
Any of the elements that make up the back can be affected and lead to this problem. These include the bones, the muscles, ligaments, joints and so on. Muscle sprains are, by far, the commonest the biggest contributor to back ache. They usually come about as a result of overstretching during sporting activities or long periods of sitting with an extended back. Over the counter pain relievers are usually adequate.
Osteoarthritis and inter-vertebral disc prolapse are joint problems associated with chronic discomfort that tends to progress with time. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that will most likely be experienced from the sixth decade of life. The symptoms tend to worsen when one moves the inter-vertebral joints. Management is mainly through the administration of pain relievers and physical therapy. Severely deformed joints may require surgery.
Inter-vertebral discs provide cushion within inter-vertebral joints. In case of trauma or when one lifts heavy objects, these structures may herniate from the joint space leading to various consequences. Among them is the impingement of nerves found in the immediate vicinity. This will manifest as pain and numbness in the back and one of the limbs. The pain rarely responds to pain relieving medications.
The management of displaced discs is through conservative or surgical options. Traction is the main non-surgical option that is used. It involves the use of a gentle pulling force on the spine. The result is the creation of a negative force within the affected joint. The joint slips back in position and the symptoms are relieved. Up to 20 sessions are usually needed to achieve the maximal effect.
Tumors that affect the spine are a common cause of pain. The tumors may have originated from the spinal components (primary tumors) or metastasize from other regions (secondary tumors). The doctor has to differentiate between the two so as to initiate the most appropriate management. Multiple myeloma, a very aggressive tumor, is the most common primary. Secondary tumors tend to come from sites such as the prostate, the thyroid gland and the kidney among others.
Infections are a bit rare but still exist. Tuberculosis is very destructive if it involves the spine. There is significant loss of vertebral body mass that causes instability. Surgery or a spinal corset will needed to restore normalcy. Suspect an infection if there is fever associated with other symptoms.
The general practitioner will initiate the treatment process by taking a medical history and conducting a physical examination. Imaging studies in the form of CT scans, X-rays and MRI are often needed to examine the integrity of connective tissues in the affected region. Blood tests are required if infections are suspected. After undergoing the work-up, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon or a physiotherapist.
Any of the elements that make up the back can be affected and lead to this problem. These include the bones, the muscles, ligaments, joints and so on. Muscle sprains are, by far, the commonest the biggest contributor to back ache. They usually come about as a result of overstretching during sporting activities or long periods of sitting with an extended back. Over the counter pain relievers are usually adequate.
Osteoarthritis and inter-vertebral disc prolapse are joint problems associated with chronic discomfort that tends to progress with time. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that will most likely be experienced from the sixth decade of life. The symptoms tend to worsen when one moves the inter-vertebral joints. Management is mainly through the administration of pain relievers and physical therapy. Severely deformed joints may require surgery.
Inter-vertebral discs provide cushion within inter-vertebral joints. In case of trauma or when one lifts heavy objects, these structures may herniate from the joint space leading to various consequences. Among them is the impingement of nerves found in the immediate vicinity. This will manifest as pain and numbness in the back and one of the limbs. The pain rarely responds to pain relieving medications.
The management of displaced discs is through conservative or surgical options. Traction is the main non-surgical option that is used. It involves the use of a gentle pulling force on the spine. The result is the creation of a negative force within the affected joint. The joint slips back in position and the symptoms are relieved. Up to 20 sessions are usually needed to achieve the maximal effect.
Tumors that affect the spine are a common cause of pain. The tumors may have originated from the spinal components (primary tumors) or metastasize from other regions (secondary tumors). The doctor has to differentiate between the two so as to initiate the most appropriate management. Multiple myeloma, a very aggressive tumor, is the most common primary. Secondary tumors tend to come from sites such as the prostate, the thyroid gland and the kidney among others.
Infections are a bit rare but still exist. Tuberculosis is very destructive if it involves the spine. There is significant loss of vertebral body mass that causes instability. Surgery or a spinal corset will needed to restore normalcy. Suspect an infection if there is fever associated with other symptoms.
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