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.
Treatment is dependent on the underlying problem. Most cases of acute pain are due to muscle strain such as that which occurs after involvement in strenuous physical activity. They tend to resolve spontaneously with time or with over the counter analgesic agents. In a few cases, they may fail to resolve to the medication and progress to become chronic.
One of the commonest causes of chronic back ache is a condition known as osteoarthritis. This is degenerative condition affecting the large joints. It frequently starts during the sixth decade of life and remains persistent. Some of the joints that are likely to be affected are the knee joints, the hip joints and the joints of the spine. Symptoms are observed to be worse with movement.
No definitive treatment for osteoarthritis exists. The main method that is used for relief is over the counter analgesic drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and aspirin. Steroids and opioids may be prescribed if the NSAIDs prove ineffective. Exercise is often prescribed alongside these drugs. Surgery is reserved for the most severe forms that are characterized by extensive damage to the articular surfaces.
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 cause pain by affecting bony structures as well as soft tissues. There are two main types of tumors that affect the spine: primary and secondary. Primary tumors originate from vertebral bodies while secondary tumors are those that have spread to the spine from other regions. The commonest primary tumor is malignant melanoma. Others are osteochondroma, giant cell tumor and osteosarcoma among others. Secondary tumors originate from other sites including the breast, the thyroid, the prostate and the kidneys among others.
Several other options other than medical treatment and surgery are available. Physical therapy is among the most commonly used alternatives. There are two main types of exercises that can be used: passive and active. Passive exercises are conducted by the therapist while active exercises are done by the patient. To increase the chances of success, the two are often offered concurrently.
Acupressure and acupuncture are other options that one may consider. Acupuncture is said to work by restoring the normal flow of life energy (also known as qi). This is made possible through the use of fine needles that are inserted into the body in predetermined regions. Acupressure is done similarly but the palm of the hand is used to apply pressure instead of needles.
Treatment is dependent on the underlying problem. Most cases of acute pain are due to muscle strain such as that which occurs after involvement in strenuous physical activity. They tend to resolve spontaneously with time or with over the counter analgesic agents. In a few cases, they may fail to resolve to the medication and progress to become chronic.
One of the commonest causes of chronic back ache is a condition known as osteoarthritis. This is degenerative condition affecting the large joints. It frequently starts during the sixth decade of life and remains persistent. Some of the joints that are likely to be affected are the knee joints, the hip joints and the joints of the spine. Symptoms are observed to be worse with movement.
No definitive treatment for osteoarthritis exists. The main method that is used for relief is over the counter analgesic drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples include ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen and aspirin. Steroids and opioids may be prescribed if the NSAIDs prove ineffective. Exercise is often prescribed alongside these drugs. Surgery is reserved for the most severe forms that are characterized by extensive damage to the articular surfaces.
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 cause pain by affecting bony structures as well as soft tissues. There are two main types of tumors that affect the spine: primary and secondary. Primary tumors originate from vertebral bodies while secondary tumors are those that have spread to the spine from other regions. The commonest primary tumor is malignant melanoma. Others are osteochondroma, giant cell tumor and osteosarcoma among others. Secondary tumors originate from other sites including the breast, the thyroid, the prostate and the kidneys among others.
Several other options other than medical treatment and surgery are available. Physical therapy is among the most commonly used alternatives. There are two main types of exercises that can be used: passive and active. Passive exercises are conducted by the therapist while active exercises are done by the patient. To increase the chances of success, the two are often offered concurrently.
Acupressure and acupuncture are other options that one may consider. Acupuncture is said to work by restoring the normal flow of life energy (also known as qi). This is made possible through the use of fine needles that are inserted into the body in predetermined regions. Acupressure is done similarly but the palm of the hand is used to apply pressure instead of needles.
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