Important Facts On Back Pain Nyc Residents Need To Understand

By Noam Sadovnik


The causes of back pain are greatly variable. Depending on the underlying cause, some cases of back ache tend to resolve spontaneously without any intervention while others are seriously debilitating and require invasive procedures to correct. Once they start experiencing back pain NYC residents need to make it a priority to seek medical care so that if interventions are needed, they can be instituted in timely fashion.

The doctor has to take your medical history and then examine you to have an idea of what the problem if likely to be. In most cases, there is also a need to undergo a number of tests. CT scans, MRI and X-rays will be required depending on whether your problem is originating from the bones or from the soft tissues. Referral to a physical therapist or an orthopedic specialist may be necessary.

Any of the elements that make up the back can be affected and lead to this problem. These include the bones, the muscles, ligaments, joints and so on. Muscle sprains are, by far, the commonest the biggest contributor to back ache. They usually come about as a result of overstretching during sporting activities or long periods of sitting with an extended back. Over the counter pain relievers are usually adequate.

The main joint problems that exist are osteoarthritis and inter-vertebral disc prolapse. Osteoarthritis is a fairly common degenerative joint disease that is likely to be experienced as from the sixth decade of life. The symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are worse during movements involving the joints of the spine. The treatment is mainly by analgesic agents and physical therapy. Severe forms may require surgical intervention.

Inter-vertebral discs are structures that act as shock absorbers in inter-vertebral joints. Inter-vertebral disc prolapse is usually preceded by trauma to the back or engagement in the lifting of heavy objects. A prolapsed disc impinges on nerves found within its vicinity. This is likely to cause pain and numbness of the back and the lower limbs. The pain may increase when one assumes a seated position and is unlikely to respond to analgesic drugs.

The management of prolapsed disc may be done conservatively (non-surgical interventions) or through surgical methods. The former are preferred because the associated complications are fewer and less serious. Traction is conducted by applying a gentle pull on the pelvis and lower limbs. The result of this is a decrease in the pressure found within the affected joint. The disc can falls back into its natural position resulting in symptomatic relief.

Tumors may be encountered in some cases. Those affecting the bones are usually very painful. Your doctor will attempt to determine whether indeed they are originating from the bone or if they are metastases from other regions. Multiple myeloma is one of the commonest primary bone tumors. It results in significant loss of bone mass. Metastatic bone tumors may originate from the thyroid gland, breasts, kidneys or the prostate gland among others.

Although not very common, infections may also contribute. Bacterial organisms (particularly tuberculosis) contribute to significant destruction of the bony skeleton if not treated promptly. Spinal fusion surgery or the wearing of spinal corsets is needed if spinal instability occurs. Infections should be suspected if there is fever in addition to other symptoms.




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