09/12/2018

Back Pain, what is it?

What Causes Back pain

Back pain can be divided into non-radicular pain and radiculopathy. Radiculopathy occurs when there is irritation in the nerve root, causing neurologic symptoms, such as numbness and tingling. Disk herniation and foraminal stenosis are the most common causes of radiculopathy. Non-radicular back pain is most commonly caused by injury to the spinal muscles or ligaments, degenerative spinal disease, or a herniated disk. Spondylosis, or spinal degeneration, occurs when the intervertebral disc undergoes degenerative changes, causing the disc to fail at cushioning the vertebrae. There is an association between intervertebral disc space narrowing and lumbar spine pain. The space between the vertebrae becomes narrow, resulting in compression and irritation of the nerves. There is a weak association between low back pain and facet osteoarthritis, which has been considered as a primary reason for compression of spine nerve roots as they exit the intervertebral foramen.

Back pain can also be due to referred pain from another source. Referred pain occurs when pain is felt at a location different from the source of the pain. An abdominal aortic aneurysm and urethral colic can both result in pain felt in the back.

Back pain is a common symptom that could manifest along the delicate tissues of the backbone, such as the muscles, nerves, bones, and joints. Internal structures such as glands, pancreas and the aorta, may cause referred pain in the back. When treating back pain, health care professionals often attempt to achieve a decrease in the level of the individual’s back pain so as to reestablish their ability to function in everyday activities, to help them manage symptoms and also to evaluate the effects of therapy choices. The objective is to manage back pain with rehabilitation for long-term pain relief.

Back Pain Non-Medical Treatment:        

Back pain is generally treated with non-pharmacological therapy first, as it typically resolves without the use of medication. Superficial heat and massage, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation therapy may be recommended.

• Heat therapy is useful for back spasms or other conditions. A review concluded that heat therapy can reduce symptoms of acute and sub-acute low-back pain.

• Regular activity and gentle stretching exercises is encouraged in uncomplicated back pain and is associated with better long-term outcomes. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the abdomen and around the spine may also be recommended. These exercises are associated with better patient satisfaction, although it has not been shown to provide functional improvement. However, one study found that exercise is effective for chronic back pain, but not for acute pain. If used, they should be performed under supervision of a licensed health professional.

• Massage therapy may give short-term pain relief, but not functional improvement, for those with acute lower back pain. It may also give short-term pain relief and functional improvement for those with long-term (chronic) and sub-acute lower back pain, but this benefit does not appear to be sustained after 6 months of treatment. There does not appear to be any serious adverse effects associated with massage.

• Acupuncture may provide some relief for back pain. However, further research with stronger evidence needs to be done.

• Spinal manipulation treatments. After a complete examination a personalized clinical treatment program is put together & implemented. Your treatment is monitored so your program can be updated so you receive the maximum benefit.
  
    is a widely-used method of treating back pain, although there is no evidence of long-term benefits.

At Clinicube we offer these After a complete examination a personalized clinical treatment program is put together & implemented. Your treatment is monitored so your       program can be updated so you receive the maximum benefit.