The causes of back pain are greatly variable. Depending on the underlying cause, some cases of back ache tend to resolve spontaneously without any intervention while others are seriously debilitating and require invasive procedures to correct. Once they start experiencing back pain NYC residents need to make it a priority to seek medical care so that if interventions are needed, they can be instituted in timely fashion.
When you visit your doctor, they will first take your history and then conduct a physical all in an effort to have an idea of what the problem could be. It is not uncommon for them to request for various investigations that include radiological images (X-rays, CT scans and MRIs) as well as blood tests. Depending on the findings, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon or a physiotherapist to continue with specialist treatment.
The cause of the problem may be any component that makes up the back. These include the joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Muscle sprains and other minor injuries are the commonest. They will be seen in persons that have been subjected to trauma during sports or those that have been involved in the lifting of heavy objects. Apart from analgesic agents, there is usually no need for any other intervention.
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 are structures that act as shock absorbers in inter-vertebral joints. Inter-vertebral disc prolapse is usually preceded by trauma to the back or engagement in the lifting of heavy objects. A prolapsed disc impinges on nerves found within its vicinity. This is likely to cause pain and numbness of the back and the lower limbs. The pain may increase when one assumes a seated position and is unlikely to respond to analgesic drugs.
The management of prolapsed disc may be done conservatively (non-surgical interventions) or through surgical methods. The former are preferred because the associated complications are fewer and less serious. Traction is conducted by applying a gentle pull on the pelvis and lower limbs. The result of this is a decrease in the pressure found within the affected joint. The disc can falls back into its natural position resulting in symptomatic relief.
Tumors may be encountered in some cases. Those affecting the bones are usually very painful. Your doctor will attempt to determine whether indeed they are originating from the bone or if they are metastases from other regions. Multiple myeloma is one of the commonest primary bone tumors. It results in significant loss of bone mass. Metastatic bone tumors may originate from the thyroid gland, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland among others.
Although they are quite rare, infections may still affect the spine. Bacteria and mycobacteria (mainly tuberculosis) are known to result in severe destruction of vertebral bodies leading to spinal instability. Prompt treatment with antibiotics helps prevent this complication. Spinal fusion surgery or a spinal corset may be required to restore function in very severe cases.
When you visit your doctor, they will first take your history and then conduct a physical all in an effort to have an idea of what the problem could be. It is not uncommon for them to request for various investigations that include radiological images (X-rays, CT scans and MRIs) as well as blood tests. Depending on the findings, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon or a physiotherapist to continue with specialist treatment.
The cause of the problem may be any component that makes up the back. These include the joints, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Muscle sprains and other minor injuries are the commonest. They will be seen in persons that have been subjected to trauma during sports or those that have been involved in the lifting of heavy objects. Apart from analgesic agents, there is usually no need for any other intervention.
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 are structures that act as shock absorbers in inter-vertebral joints. Inter-vertebral disc prolapse is usually preceded by trauma to the back or engagement in the lifting of heavy objects. A prolapsed disc impinges on nerves found within its vicinity. This is likely to cause pain and numbness of the back and the lower limbs. The pain may increase when one assumes a seated position and is unlikely to respond to analgesic drugs.
The management of prolapsed disc may be done conservatively (non-surgical interventions) or through surgical methods. The former are preferred because the associated complications are fewer and less serious. Traction is conducted by applying a gentle pull on the pelvis and lower limbs. The result of this is a decrease in the pressure found within the affected joint. The disc can falls back into its natural position resulting in symptomatic relief.
Tumors may be encountered in some cases. Those affecting the bones are usually very painful. Your doctor will attempt to determine whether indeed they are originating from the bone or if they are metastases from other regions. Multiple myeloma is one of the commonest primary bone tumors. It results in significant loss of bone mass. Metastatic bone tumors may originate from the thyroid gland, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland among others.
Although they are quite rare, infections may still affect the spine. Bacteria and mycobacteria (mainly tuberculosis) are known to result in severe destruction of vertebral bodies leading to spinal instability. Prompt treatment with antibiotics helps prevent this complication. Spinal fusion surgery or a spinal corset may be required to restore function in very severe cases.
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