Back pain is a common problem that affects men and women in nearly equal proportions. The incidence of the condition appears to increase with advancing age. In general, the problem may be described as being acute or chronic. The latter term is used if it has lasted for less than two weeks and the former used if the duration is more than two weeks. There are a number of things on back pain relief Blue Bell, PA residents need to know if struggling with the problem.
To manage a case of back ache, one needs to understand the underlying problem. The commonest cause of acute back discomfort is a muscle strain resulting from strenuous physical activities. Fortunately, most cases will resolve spontaneously either spontaneously or with the use of over the counter analgesic agents. A few cases, remain persistent and progress to chronicity.
Among the commonest causes of chronic back ache is a degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis. The condition affects large joints including the ankle joint, the knee joint, the hip joint and intervertebral joints. The problem is often seen from the sixth decade of life. The discomfort has been observed to be aggravated by movements taking place at the affected joints.
There is no definitive treatment for this problem. Over the counter analgesic agents are usually prescribed. They include non-steroidal analgesic agents such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen among others. If these fail to relieve the pain, stronger drugs such as opioids may be used. Surgery is reserved for the very severe cases and involves placement of prostheses to replace affected articular surfaces. Exercise has a role as well.
Infections have been found to be the cause of back discomfort in some cases. Intravenous antibiotics will be prescribed if the offending agent is suspected to be bacterial. Tuberculosis of the spine, is a severely debilitating illness that may require surgical intervention including, but not limited to spinal fusion. This is because of the associated destruction of vertebral bodies that leads to significant spinal instability.
Tumors may be involved in one of two ways; as primary bone tumors affecting the spine or as secondary tumors (metastasis). Multiple myeloma is the commonest bone tumor that affects bones primarily. Others include osteogenic sarcoma, giant cell tumors and so on. Secondary tumors that metastasize to the spine and cause pain may originate from the thyroid, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland. As is the case with other types of cancers, treatment is through chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery depending on the stage.
Other than the medical and surgical options, there are other treatments that one may try out. One of the most effective alternatives is physical therapy. Physical therapy comprises two main components: active and passive exercises. Active exercises have to be done by the patients themselves. Passive exercises, on the other hand, are done with the assistance of the therapist. Having both types at the same time increases the chances of success.
Acupuncture and acupressure have been tried with varied success. Acupuncture is based on the belief that wellness is dependent on the normal flow of life energy in the body and sickness occurs due to disordered flow. When special needles are inserted into predetermined areas, they help to restore a state of normalcy. Acupressure works in the same way but uses palm pressure instead of needles.
To manage a case of back ache, one needs to understand the underlying problem. The commonest cause of acute back discomfort is a muscle strain resulting from strenuous physical activities. Fortunately, most cases will resolve spontaneously either spontaneously or with the use of over the counter analgesic agents. A few cases, remain persistent and progress to chronicity.
Among the commonest causes of chronic back ache is a degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis. The condition affects large joints including the ankle joint, the knee joint, the hip joint and intervertebral joints. The problem is often seen from the sixth decade of life. The discomfort has been observed to be aggravated by movements taking place at the affected joints.
There is no definitive treatment for this problem. Over the counter analgesic agents are usually prescribed. They include non-steroidal analgesic agents such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen among others. If these fail to relieve the pain, stronger drugs such as opioids may be used. Surgery is reserved for the very severe cases and involves placement of prostheses to replace affected articular surfaces. Exercise has a role as well.
Infections have been found to be the cause of back discomfort in some cases. Intravenous antibiotics will be prescribed if the offending agent is suspected to be bacterial. Tuberculosis of the spine, is a severely debilitating illness that may require surgical intervention including, but not limited to spinal fusion. This is because of the associated destruction of vertebral bodies that leads to significant spinal instability.
Tumors may be involved in one of two ways; as primary bone tumors affecting the spine or as secondary tumors (metastasis). Multiple myeloma is the commonest bone tumor that affects bones primarily. Others include osteogenic sarcoma, giant cell tumors and so on. Secondary tumors that metastasize to the spine and cause pain may originate from the thyroid, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland. As is the case with other types of cancers, treatment is through chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery depending on the stage.
Other than the medical and surgical options, there are other treatments that one may try out. One of the most effective alternatives is physical therapy. Physical therapy comprises two main components: active and passive exercises. Active exercises have to be done by the patients themselves. Passive exercises, on the other hand, are done with the assistance of the therapist. Having both types at the same time increases the chances of success.
Acupuncture and acupressure have been tried with varied success. Acupuncture is based on the belief that wellness is dependent on the normal flow of life energy in the body and sickness occurs due to disordered flow. When special needles are inserted into predetermined areas, they help to restore a state of normalcy. Acupressure works in the same way but uses palm pressure instead of needles.
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