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.
The discomfort may originate from any of the anatomical structures in the region. These include muscles, bones, ligaments and ligaments among others. Muscle sprains are the most commonly encountered underlying problem. They are caused by trauma or intense physical activity that overstretches the back. Fortunately many of these cases resolve within a few hours to days and respond to analgesic agents.
The main joint problems that exist are osteoarthritis and inter-vertebral disc prolapse. Osteoarthritis is a fairly common degenerative joint disease that is likely to be experienced as from the sixth decade of life. The symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are worse during movements involving the joints of the spine. The treatment is mainly by analgesic agents and physical therapy. Severe forms may require surgical intervention.
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.
Treatment of prolapsed inter-vertebral discs may be done through conservative or surgical methods. The conservative methods (mainly traction) are preferred due to a lower risk of complications. The process of traction involves lying on your side and being subjected to a gentle pulling force. The aim is to increase the joint space so as to create room for the displaced disc. Once the disc falls back to its position the symptoms resolve.
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.
The discomfort may originate from any of the anatomical structures in the region. These include muscles, bones, ligaments and ligaments among others. Muscle sprains are the most commonly encountered underlying problem. They are caused by trauma or intense physical activity that overstretches the back. Fortunately many of these cases resolve within a few hours to days and respond to analgesic agents.
The main joint problems that exist are osteoarthritis and inter-vertebral disc prolapse. Osteoarthritis is a fairly common degenerative joint disease that is likely to be experienced as from the sixth decade of life. The symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are worse during movements involving the joints of the spine. The treatment is mainly by analgesic agents and physical therapy. Severe forms may require surgical intervention.
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.
Treatment of prolapsed inter-vertebral discs may be done through conservative or surgical methods. The conservative methods (mainly traction) are preferred due to a lower risk of complications. The process of traction involves lying on your side and being subjected to a gentle pulling force. The aim is to increase the joint space so as to create room for the displaced disc. Once the disc falls back to its position the symptoms resolve.
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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