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 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.
Osteoarthritis and inter-vertebral disc prolapse are joint problems associated with chronic discomfort that tends to progress with time. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that will most likely be experienced from the sixth decade of life. The symptoms tend to worsen when one moves the inter-vertebral joints. Management is mainly through the administration of pain relievers and physical therapy. Severely deformed joints may require surgery.
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.
The management of displaced discs is through conservative or surgical options. Traction is the main non-surgical option that is used. It involves the use of a gentle pulling force on the spine. The result is the creation of a negative force within the affected joint. The joint slips back in position and the symptoms are relieved. Up to 20 sessions are usually needed to achieve the maximal effect.
Tumors may affect any part of the spine. They may originate from the bones in the spine or may originate from elsewhere and metastasize to the spine. Differentiating between primary and metastasized tumors is important in determining the mode of treatment to be used. The commonest primary tumor is known as multiple myeloma. Metastases originate from organs such as the kidney, the prostate and the thyroid gland.
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.
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 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.
Osteoarthritis and inter-vertebral disc prolapse are joint problems associated with chronic discomfort that tends to progress with time. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that will most likely be experienced from the sixth decade of life. The symptoms tend to worsen when one moves the inter-vertebral joints. Management is mainly through the administration of pain relievers and physical therapy. Severely deformed joints may require surgery.
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.
The management of displaced discs is through conservative or surgical options. Traction is the main non-surgical option that is used. It involves the use of a gentle pulling force on the spine. The result is the creation of a negative force within the affected joint. The joint slips back in position and the symptoms are relieved. Up to 20 sessions are usually needed to achieve the maximal effect.
Tumors may affect any part of the spine. They may originate from the bones in the spine or may originate from elsewhere and metastasize to the spine. Differentiating between primary and metastasized tumors is important in determining the mode of treatment to be used. The commonest primary tumor is known as multiple myeloma. Metastases originate from organs such as the kidney, the prostate and the thyroid gland.
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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