One of the leading causes of hospital visits in Blue Bell, PA is back pain. The symptom has been shown to significantly contribute to work absenteeism. In terms of epidimiology, it is seen mostly in persons that are in their sixth and seventh decades in life. The incidence is slightly higher in women than men. The causes of this problem are many and include trauma, tumors, infective processes, degenerative conditions and trauma among others. The symptomatic pattern of chronic back pain may vary depending on the underlying 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.
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 what the cause of the problem is, one has to give a comprehensive medical history and undergo a systemic physical exam. At the same time, several investigations have to be done as guided by the pattern of symptoms and the findings of the physical examination. Radiological images such as the X-ray, the CT scan and radionuclide studies are vital to the diagnostic process and are almost always a requirement.
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 of different forms. They are mainly targeted and correcting conditions affecting muscles and joints. Examples of those that are used commonly include electrical stimulation, heat and cold treatments, massage and physical exercise. Increased muscle strength is one of the benefits likely to be realized. It is important to note that patients will exhibit varied responses depending on the severity 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.
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 what the cause of the problem is, one has to give a comprehensive medical history and undergo a systemic physical exam. At the same time, several investigations have to be done as guided by the pattern of symptoms and the findings of the physical examination. Radiological images such as the X-ray, the CT scan and radionuclide studies are vital to the diagnostic process and are almost always a requirement.
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 of different forms. They are mainly targeted and correcting conditions affecting muscles and joints. Examples of those that are used commonly include electrical stimulation, heat and cold treatments, massage and physical exercise. Increased muscle strength is one of the benefits likely to be realized. It is important to note that patients will exhibit varied responses depending on the severity 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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