Facts Related To Back Pain Conroe Residents Need To Understand

By Ronald Bennett


Back pain may be either acute or chronic. It is described as acute if it has been experienced for two weeks or less and chronic if it has existed for longer than this. The problem is fairly common and the incidence increases with advancing age. There are a number of things related to back pain Conroe residents need to know if they have been dealing with this problem.

Acute back pain is mainly caused by trauma or muscle strains due to strenuous physical activity. Many cases of strain resolve spontaneously with or without treatment. If they fail to respond to treatment, they progress and become chronic. Common causes of chronic pain include infections, osteoarthritis, inter-vertebral disc prolapse and malignancies (whether primary or secondary).

Inter-vertebral discs are located between adjacent vertebrae. They act as shock absorbers when forces are transmitted through the spine. The discs may herniate in case of blunt trauma to the spine or a heavy lifting event. When they herniate, they may compress adjacent nerve roots and other structures in its vicinity which results in pain on the back as well as on the lower limbs.

Decompression is the mainstay of treatment for disc herniation. There are two main forms of decompression that exist: surgical and non-surgical. Traction is the main non-surgical treatment that is used. This therapy involves the application of a steady pulling force on the spine so as to reduce the pressure that is exerted by the prolapsed disc. A reduction in pressure between adjacent vertebrae causes the disc to slip back to its original position.

Surgery is used in case the traction option fails to provide the desired results. It helps in the re-positioning of the displaced disc or removal of some vertebral elements. Such may include the whole vertebral body or a small component such as the lamina, the foramen or osteophytes (bony growths). Surgery is less preferred because it is invasive and may lead to complications such as bleeding, nerve injuries, infections and spinal instability.

Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the large joints. It is manifested by formation of bony spurs and reduction in the amount of synovial fluid that is necessary in providing cushion against friction. While there are no definitive treatments for the condition, relief may be experienced by using pain relievers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs. The drugs should be offered alongside regular physical exercise.

The tumors cause symptoms by increasing or reducing the mass of bones of the spinal column or by compressing nerves and soft tissues. Primary bone tumors originate from bone directly while secondary tumors are those that have originated from other organs. The most common type of primary tumors is known as multiple myeloma. The treatment of symptoms is dependent on dealing with the primary tumor.

It is not always possible to figure out what the problem is from the very beginning. There may be a need to conduct several blood tests and imaging studies for the underlying problem to be identified. Blood tests are useful when one is suspected to have infections while imaging studies help to rule out conditions such as osteoarthritis, displaced inter-vertebral discs and tumors among others.




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