Back Pain
(Part 2)
We started discussing the topic “BACK PAIN” last week. Our discussion was focused on Fast Facts and the Causes of Back Pain. We continue with our discussion now.
How Is Back Pain Diagnosed and Treated?
In a majority of patients, the cause of the back pain can be determined based on your history and physical exam. Plains-rays may be helpful to document the presence of degeneration, or to demonstrate that there is truly a narrowing of spaces where the nerves come out, to confirm what your doctor is already suspecting.
Only when your symptoms don’t get better within the expected time will more sophisticated testing, like on MRI be necessary.
Most episodes of back pain respond to what we call conservative measures, meaning invasive procedures are not needed.
Physical therapy is the key to this. Stretching and strengthening the muscles will help you recover and help keep the issue from happening again or happening too often.
When treating back pain, bed rest should be kept to a minimum. Instead, patients should continue their activities as much as possible
While excessive exercise should be discontinued until the pain is relieved, there are exercises that can help reduce pain, Pain management exercises may include flexion exercises (bending forward), extension exercises (bending backwards), stretching and strengthening
Five to ten minute ice massages applied to a painful area within the first 48 hours of pain onset can help relieve pain Beyond the first 48 hours, heat may help to relax the muscles. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently adequate to control episodes of back pain, In some cases, muscle relaxants may help.
A small minority of low back pain patients, particularly those with leg pain due to a herniated intervertebral disc, spinal stenosis, or tumors affecting structures in the spine, may require surgery.
Sometimes back pain does not improve and becomes chronic. In such situations, it can be helpful to explore whether biopsychosocial factors are also playing a role in this instance, mental health therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy have proven efficacy. Some medications that are targeted at overactive pain sensors can also be helpful in reducing the degree of chronic poin Other, more aggressive treatments include spinal injections administered by pain management physicians
Living with Back Pain
In most instances, individuals with low back pain will improve over a two- to six-week period.
The goal is to minimize recurrences and, while being in good physical condition does not prevent all back pain episodes, it will make the resolution of those episodes easier.
Lifestyle changes may be necessary. Be sure to pay attention to your body, exercise, eat right, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If you smoke, stop. Smoking is a predisposing factor for back pain. Obesity does not cause back pain, but is a factor that makes it more difficult to heal. If you are overweight, try to increase your activity level and eat healthier to get into shape No diet is known to prevent episodes of low back pain