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.
In general the discomfort originates from the spinal components. These include the body skeleton (vertebral bodies), the muscles, ligaments, and the inter-vertebral disc. The incidence appears to increase with age because of degenerative changes that affect these structures. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common condition under the degenerative conditions category. It is the result of wear and tear at the inter-vertebral joints.
The tumors that cause back ache may originate from the spinal column itself or may be distant metastases from other affected organs. The commonest tumor that originates from bone and is likely to affect the spine is multiple myeloma. Overall, causes that are attributable to the presence of tumors are caused by metastases. Examples of tumors that frequently metastasize to the spine include those from the thyroid, the breasts, the kidneys and the prostate.
Symptoms resulting from slippage of an inter-vertebral disc usually have a sudden onset. If unattended, it remains constant or may be experienced from time to time. In a majority of the cases, the symptoms follow a heavy lifting event or a blunt force to the back. Typically, the symptoms tend to be experienced on one side of the body and are worsened with activity. The level of slippage determines whether the lower or the upper limbs will be affected.
When you visit your doctor, they will want a detailed history from you so as to figure out what the most likely diagnosis is. They will also take you through a physical examinations with a particular emphasis of the back. The next step is to undergo a series of tests (blood tests as well as radiological images) depending on the pattern of symptoms. A CT scan, an X-ray image and a radionuclide scan are among those that provide the most useful information.
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 is usually used as a last resort. There are two main types of surguries that can be performed namely; spinal fusion and decompression. When the cause of symptoms is a prolapsed disc or vertebral components, surgery tends to yield good results.
In general the discomfort originates from the spinal components. These include the body skeleton (vertebral bodies), the muscles, ligaments, and the inter-vertebral disc. The incidence appears to increase with age because of degenerative changes that affect these structures. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common condition under the degenerative conditions category. It is the result of wear and tear at the inter-vertebral joints.
The tumors that cause back ache may originate from the spinal column itself or may be distant metastases from other affected organs. The commonest tumor that originates from bone and is likely to affect the spine is multiple myeloma. Overall, causes that are attributable to the presence of tumors are caused by metastases. Examples of tumors that frequently metastasize to the spine include those from the thyroid, the breasts, the kidneys and the prostate.
Symptoms resulting from slippage of an inter-vertebral disc usually have a sudden onset. If unattended, it remains constant or may be experienced from time to time. In a majority of the cases, the symptoms follow a heavy lifting event or a blunt force to the back. Typically, the symptoms tend to be experienced on one side of the body and are worsened with activity. The level of slippage determines whether the lower or the upper limbs will be affected.
When you visit your doctor, they will want a detailed history from you so as to figure out what the most likely diagnosis is. They will also take you through a physical examinations with a particular emphasis of the back. The next step is to undergo a series of tests (blood tests as well as radiological images) depending on the pattern of symptoms. A CT scan, an X-ray image and a radionuclide scan are among those that provide the most useful information.
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 is usually used as a last resort. There are two main types of surguries that can be performed namely; spinal fusion and decompression. When the cause of symptoms is a prolapsed disc or vertebral components, surgery tends to yield good results.
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