Tuesday 26 April 2016

Basics On Back Pain Conroe Patients Should Have

By Ronald Bennett


Acute and chronic back pain are common problems all over the world. Acute pain is that which has been in existence for not more than two weeks while the chronic type is that which has been in existence for more than two weeks. The likelihood of suffering from this condition increases with increasing age. There are a number of things regarding back pain Conroe residents should know if struggling with this problem.

Acute back pain is mainly caused by trauma or muscle strains due to strenuous physical activity. Many cases of strain resolve spontaneously with or without treatment. If they fail to respond to treatment, they progress and become chronic. Common causes of chronic pain include infections, osteoarthritis, inter-vertebral disc prolapse and malignancies (whether primary or secondary).

Inter-vertebral discs are shock absorbing structures that are located between adjacent vertebral bodies. They help in providing cushion when forces are transmitted through the spine. Occasionally, the discs may be displaced from their position and impinge on nerves and other structures. This is likely occur after heavy lifting or when one is subjected to blunt trauma on the back. The resultant pain typically affects the lower limbs as well.

Decompression is the mainstay of treatment for disc herniation. There are two main forms of decompression that exist: surgical and non-surgical. Traction is the main non-surgical treatment that is used. This therapy involves the application of a steady pulling force on the spine so as to reduce the pressure that is exerted by the prolapsed disc. A reduction in pressure between adjacent vertebrae causes the disc to slip back to its original position.

Surgery is used in case the traction option fails to provide the desired results. It helps in the re-positioning of the displaced disc or removal of some vertebral elements. Such may include the whole vertebral body or a small component such as the lamina, the foramen or osteophytes (bony growths). Surgery is less preferred because it is invasive and may lead to complications such as bleeding, nerve injuries, infections and spinal instability.

Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the large joints. It is manifested by formation of bony spurs and reduction in the amount of synovial fluid that is necessary in providing cushion against friction. While there are no definitive treatments for the condition, relief may be experienced by using pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs. The drugs should be offered alongside regular physical exercise.

Tumors cause pain mainly by affecting the bony components of the spine. They may also compress nerves that lie in close proximity. Primary bone tumors are those that originate from the bones. The commonest type is known as multiple myeloma. Secondary tumors, on the other hand, originate from a different site and metastasize to other areas including the spine. Treating the origin of the tumor helps relive these symptoms.

The cause of your symptoms may not be clear from the very start. A number of investigations may have to be conducted before the underlying problem is identified. These investigations include both blood tests and imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI images and X-ray images. Images are particularly useful in cases such as tumors, osteoarthritis, trauma and displaced inter-vertebral discs.




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