You can achieve Back Pain Relief

Considering the fact that the majority of between 70 and 90 percent of the population will experience some sort of back pain at one time or another, knowing about back pain relief is certainly welcome, appreciated and a popular topic

One of the best ways to begin learning about back pain relief is by understanding the basics of back pain: what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, what treatments are available, how to manage the pain, etc. And this aticle will cover the basics for you. Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview of back pain relief research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.

FACTS vs MYTHS ABOUT BACK PAIN

Let’s begin by learning some facts in order to separate truth from myth with regards to back pain. First of all, under one percent of acute lower back pain is the result of a serious infection or condition like cancer or a spinal injury. For those under 50, the rate is even lower.

Back pain is the number one ailment for those under age 45. And it runs second, after the common cold, as the top reason for visiting a physician in the United States.

"There is nothing really wrong with you.” Myth! Chronic pain sufferers report that doctors generally tell this to about 90 percent of them and it is incorrect. In reality, the majority of low back pain cases or some 90 percent generally come from an unknown cause, like an infection or a particular injury. And the duration of the pain runs generally from four to six weeks.

Some facts about Back Pain

People don’t die from chronic back pain.” Wrong! The pain combined with depression and anxiety in long-term cases places sufferers at risk for suicide, which does happen from time to time.

Most back pain requires surgery.” Myth! On the contrary, under two percent of patients with back pain need surgery. However, back pain is the third top reason for surgery.

Only a small percentage of workers suffer back pain on the job.” Wrong! The top occupational hazard in the USA is back pain. “Lie down and rest for back pain.” Au contraire. Contrary to popular believe, bed rest can hinder recovery. Health care providers recommend remaining active to decrease down time for patients.

Men suffer back pain more than women.” Not! With regards to gender issues and back pain, it is a myth that men suffer back pain more than women. In reality, the only main difference is with secondary pain to disk disorders during middle age. However, with regards to race, low back pain is reported more frequently among Caucasians than other races including African Americans.

Ways of diagnosing Back Pain

In order to diagnose back pain for relief treatments, generally health care professional begin by ordering a medical history and physical examination. A look at each of these in depth can shed some light into what to look for and how to find relief from pain. Then we'll look at specific diagnostic tests. And then where to go for the diagnosis and testing follows.

No matter whether the patient has acute back pain, which is what most have and recover from with around a 4-week period, or chronic, recurring pain episodes, a medical history helps patient an doctor become familiar with one another in confidence to begin or continue a treatment program together. The medical history delves into these areas of the person seeking pain relief: family medical history and personal and work history with regards to back pain episodes and related symptoms and issues, psychological and psychosocial factors, referral source(s) for evaluation and treatment, education on the subject and treatment options, assessment throughout their working together on pain relief treatment and treatment outcomes. For example, if physical therapy needs to be added to the regimen or enhanced, it would be discussed in the medical history and updated as needed.

It's important to provide details of your medical history

The medical history incorporates past and present factors of fatigue, fever and weight loss. And it notes any use of drugs or herbs, minerals and supplements. A history of past and present infections, cancer or other conditions is also noted.

 The history also includes details about the back pain, focusing on the many facets of the pain: information about any initial injury or trauma, if available, onset, intensity, duration, location, associated symptoms, etc.

The physical examination includes evaluating the person generally inn the "hospital gown" with the body and especially the back in a variety of postures and movement ranges to determine pain symptoms, tenderness and range of motion. So the patient may need to sit, stand, touch toes, move arms, etc. and share any pain symptoms or other information notated with each change along the way.

Neurological testing can also be a part of the routine. A neurologic screening may consist of tests for reflexes, strength of muscles, cramping and a detailed look at sensory issues via various range of motion and movement exercises. Included in this can be an assessment of the legs, upper leg, hip and groin area and pulses for neurological and vascular conditions.

Results may point to a secondary problem like kidney stones or a slight bone fracture, for instance, in which cases, further assessment and treatment options would be considered and discussed in both the medical history and physical examination.

Noteworthy is that patients seeking relief after an extended period can tend to exaggerate or magnify their symptoms out of a variety of reasons; possibly psychological factors associated with fear of the unknown, change, coping alternatives, insurance coverage and treatment costs, previous visits with health care providers, etc. So education and patience is advised to that all bases can be covered, i.e. so that effective pain relief remedies can be determined.

Diagnostic Back Pain Relief Testing

For back pain relief, any of several tests can be performed; x-rays or radiographs, isotope bone scan (referred to as technetium and SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan, myelogram, blood and nerve tests and injections.

Where To Go For Pain Relief

Where to go for a diagnosis about back pain can include your family doctor, the emergency room, an orthopedic surgeon, a naturopathic specialist, a rheumatologist , an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, a massage therapist, an osteopath and a chronic pain heath care provider. And here is a brief overview of each.

FAMILY DOCTOR - This is a popular beginning point for many seeking back pain relief. Although family doctors generally do not have extensive orthopedic backgrounds nor sufficient time to schedule complete histories and examinations during regular hectic weekdays, they are often able to do preliminary testing and assessment. Their blood tests and general knowledge of your health and basic back care can help them point you to further resources and places for following up, especially if they deem the case an emergency. And hopefully your family doctor will be at the center or helm of your pain relief management so that all testing, treatments, office visits, etc. are coordinated and not left to chance, and also so that patient care is optimized.

EMERGENCY ROOM - When a family or general doctor is not available, some symptoms may warrant an emergency room visit. The following list of symptoms, though not limited, is what most often sends people to the emergency room for back pain relief; a major injury or trauma, history of osteoporosis, steroid medications or cancer, severe pain, fever, aggressive or quick weight loss for no known reason. The degree of suggested seriousness in the symptoms may determine how quickly a person is seen in the emergency room, with the more serious cases seen quicker.

Emergency room procedures can involve history and examination assessments and a series of blood, urine and other tests. Additionally the emergency room physician may recommend a consult with a specialist while you are there. Or they may recommend you to your family doctor or other treatment facility for follow up, depending upon their results.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON - Orthopedic medicine in a nutshell deals with the prevention or correction of injuries or disorders of the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments. Surgeons in this field offer treatment for fractures, strains, arthritis, dislocations and other related problems throughout the entire body. And their treatments vary with surgery and non-surgical health care; structure repair, joint replacement, arthroscopy or the examination and possible treatment of the interior of a joint, like the knee, using a type of endoscope inserted into the joint through a small incision. Likewise, they coordinate healing activities during healing and pain relief stages. Note that some orthopedic surgeons specialize: in the area of back pain relief, a specialist based in spinal practice may be advisable.

NATUROPATHIC SPECIALIST - Naturopathic medicine refers to natural substances or remedies massage as treatments. Doctors in this field are educated in nutrition and herbal, botanical, homeopathic and Chinese medicines (and acupuncture). They may also treat with hands-on procedures and lifestyle consultations where preventative measures are a focus. These specialists may refer you to your family doctor and may also coordinate healthcare activities before, during and after your back pain episode for overall improved wellness. Often for back pain relief, they may advise natural supplements like herbal medicines or minerals along with dietary modifications. And physical therapy; acupuncture or message, combined with stress management and relaxation therapy may be added in for good measure.

RHEUMATOLOGIST - A rheumatologist deals with an array of pathological conditions like arthritis related to the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves or bones, when seeking aid for discomfort and disability. Although some may perform arthroscopy, most do not do surgery. For back pain relief, they may suggest medications, occupational or injection therapy and other medical treatment to determine cause and pain relief.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - An occupational therapist emphasizes correct ergonomics or design factors, posture and safety practices both at the workplace and in the home environment. These therapists educate patients about daily life activities and can help with adjusting to health devices for mobility and operation. Adjusting to using crutches, a back brace, a cane and other lifestyle changes are benefits of occupational therapy.

PHYSIOTHERAPIST - Registered therapists practice physiotherapy and focus on educating and instructing patients about their pain- both in book learning and physical understanding, like with posture and movement modifications. Their shared knowledge helps patients overcome fear and anxiety and better manage their treatment programs. Doctors often refer patients to physiotherapists for extended learning, particularly if there is difficulty in diagnosing the cause and / or treatment for pain. Additionally, physiotherapists help with the development and managing of their healthcare programs, activities and preventive care instruction. For example, they may teach about using heat or ice along with a varied range of motion for pain relief.

CHIROPRACTOR - In a nutshell, chiropractors diagnose spine, joint and muscle problems with their hands. And their treatment is hands-on as well. For back pain relief, they use mobilizations and manipulations in manual spinal movements, some known as "cracking" the back into place. Although there is no scientific evidence to support or negate chiropractors treatment, most generally work with the relief of acute low back pain. Besides in-office treatment, many provide exercise and preventative strategies for follow up.

ACUPUNCTURIST - Acupuncture, relating to Chinese medical practice, is the piercing of specific areas of the body with fine needles. The reasons for acupuncture are threefold; for therapeutic purposes, to relieve pain or for regional anesthesia. It is mainly used for musculoskeletal pain and low back pain and other related relief.

MASSAGE THERAPIST - Massage therapy incorporates hands-on handling or manipulation of body tissues, especially helpful for low back pain relief. The reasons for massage vary; for relief from pain and muscle spasms associated with it, for relaxation, for stretching, improved circulation and metabolism.

OSTEOPATH - Osteopaths use Osteopathic Manual Medicine (OMM) to practice medicine based on the theory that conditions in the musculoskeletal system affect other bodily parts. These conditions cause disorders that they believe can hopefully be corrected by manipulative techniques combined with traditional medical, pharmacological, surgical and other therapeutic strategies. Generally within 10 to 14 days, osteopathy relieves low back pain. But there is no evidence to suggest osteopathy as preventative treatment long-term.

Back to the top

DISCLAIMER: Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners.