Backache has earned its place as a worldwide problem affecting men and women alike. The condition is among the leading causes of absenteeism from school and work. Despite its being commonplace, underestimating this condition can result in significant morbidity. The back should be given due care because of the sensitive structures found within it. Here are some key principles regarding back pain Long Island patients may wish to keep in mind.
It has been observed that the lower spine is more commonly affected than the upper part. Chronic low backache is most prevalent among office professionals such as secretaries, accountants and receptionists whose work entails sitting all day long. Their lower spine bears the bulk of their weight and is therefore more vulnerable. The presentation in such individuals is often gradual.
Occasionally, this condition can occur suddenly and the affected individual is usually in unbearable pain. Sudden, severe discomfort is a classic presentation in trauma cases involving the spine. The problem is, on many occasions, preceded by involvement in an automobile accident, gunshot injury or any other similar physical trauma. Your doctor will assess you as they lookout for any signs pointing to damage to the spinal cord (such as paralysis).
Ironically, a person can present with back tenderness and yet the primary source of their problem is in another body region such as the lungs or even the heart. It is therefore important to for the doctor to work closely with the patient to determine other systemic symptoms that may be present in concurrent with the presenting complaint. For the doctor, it is important to remember that sometimes patients tend to only mention the problem that stresses them the most, failing to realize that the other issues may equally be important.
During evaluation of an individual with spine discomfort, the health care provider needs to deliberately look for any signs or symptoms that could suggest something more serious than just a mere strain. A person who also goes to the physician with a fever in addition to back tenderness is likely to be have an infection which needs to be promptly treated. Cancer could also be likely if the individual complains of abnormal fatigue, they are sweating excessively at night and have suffered recent loss of weight.
The management of this problem aims at relieving the discomfort and ultimately addressing the root cause. Symptomatic relief is achieved by analgesics, physiotherapy and adequate bed rest. Infections should be recognized early and treated with appropriate antibiotics. Surgical management is preserved for suspected spinal cord compression and severe discomfort uncontrolled by conservative methods.
Chronic backache negatively affects the performance of patients at home, work and on social occasions. In addition, some of the drugs used not only have systemic side effects but can also lead to dependence not to mention the psychological stress that comes with this stubborn condition. Such adverse effects can be minimized through making the right choice of drugs and only using them when appropriate. Counselling also comes in handy at this point in time.
As can be seen, this condition is definitely one that should be given the attention it deserves. There is a need to put more effort in preventing it because permanent cure may not always be possible. Adopting the right sitting posture and taking breaks may help minimize that stubborn deforming pain.
It has been observed that the lower spine is more commonly affected than the upper part. Chronic low backache is most prevalent among office professionals such as secretaries, accountants and receptionists whose work entails sitting all day long. Their lower spine bears the bulk of their weight and is therefore more vulnerable. The presentation in such individuals is often gradual.
Occasionally, this condition can occur suddenly and the affected individual is usually in unbearable pain. Sudden, severe discomfort is a classic presentation in trauma cases involving the spine. The problem is, on many occasions, preceded by involvement in an automobile accident, gunshot injury or any other similar physical trauma. Your doctor will assess you as they lookout for any signs pointing to damage to the spinal cord (such as paralysis).
Ironically, a person can present with back tenderness and yet the primary source of their problem is in another body region such as the lungs or even the heart. It is therefore important to for the doctor to work closely with the patient to determine other systemic symptoms that may be present in concurrent with the presenting complaint. For the doctor, it is important to remember that sometimes patients tend to only mention the problem that stresses them the most, failing to realize that the other issues may equally be important.
During evaluation of an individual with spine discomfort, the health care provider needs to deliberately look for any signs or symptoms that could suggest something more serious than just a mere strain. A person who also goes to the physician with a fever in addition to back tenderness is likely to be have an infection which needs to be promptly treated. Cancer could also be likely if the individual complains of abnormal fatigue, they are sweating excessively at night and have suffered recent loss of weight.
The management of this problem aims at relieving the discomfort and ultimately addressing the root cause. Symptomatic relief is achieved by analgesics, physiotherapy and adequate bed rest. Infections should be recognized early and treated with appropriate antibiotics. Surgical management is preserved for suspected spinal cord compression and severe discomfort uncontrolled by conservative methods.
Chronic backache negatively affects the performance of patients at home, work and on social occasions. In addition, some of the drugs used not only have systemic side effects but can also lead to dependence not to mention the psychological stress that comes with this stubborn condition. Such adverse effects can be minimized through making the right choice of drugs and only using them when appropriate. Counselling also comes in handy at this point in time.
As can be seen, this condition is definitely one that should be given the attention it deserves. There is a need to put more effort in preventing it because permanent cure may not always be possible. Adopting the right sitting posture and taking breaks may help minimize that stubborn deforming pain.
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