A BACK SPECIALIST CAN HELP WITH CHRONIC BACK PAIN
What is chronic back pain
The majority of people will experience some back pain in their lifetime and will usually get better on its own within three months. Chronic pain is described as pain that last for more than three months. There is nothing more discouraging than to realize you may be in pain for the rest of your life, relying of pain medications just to get through the day. Today, there are many treatment options available, but before proper treatment can be initiated, your back specialist must determine what is the source of your pain.
Chronic back can be constant, intermittent, or occurs only when the body is in certain positions or during certain activities. It can be a dull ache or a sharp pain that remains in one spot or radiates to other parts of the body, including the arms and legs. Other symptoms may include tingling, weakness, or numbness. Who suffers from chronic back pain Anyone of any age can suffer from back pain. Typically, people from 30 to 60 years of age are more likely to suffer from disc problems such as herniation or degenerative disc disease. However, People over 60 are more likely to suffer from joint degeneration caused by osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis. Causes of chronic back pain The spine is an intricate combination of bone, cartilage, and nerves that fit together to form a tough, flexible column. It is composed of 33 vertebrae with soft discs of cartilage that fits between them. The discs have a hard outer ring and soft inner ring. Inside the vertebral column is a hollow space through which runs the spinal cord, a column of nerves that extend from the brain down through the vertebral column. From the spinal cord, nerves extend throughout the body and its extremities. Chronic back pain has many causes and may affect other parts of the body such as the arms or legs causing pain, tingling, or numbness. The root cause, however, lies within the spine. A disc protruding between the vertebrae is called a bulging disc and may not cause any pain. If the pressure increases on the bulging disc, it may rupture, or herniate, …show more content…
Spinal stenosis is also part of the aging process and is the narrowing of the spinal column which causing pressure on the spinal cord. Stenosis can affect any part of the spine but is more serious in the cervical region. It is very important to get a proper diagnosis from your back specialist.
How is a Diagnosis Made?
Your back specialist will want to do some tests before a treatment plan is initiated which may include spinal x-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s. These tests will check the condition of the spine, the vertebrae and will show if there is any misalignment, arthritis, stenosis, sciatica, or any other problems that may exist. Your back specialist will then recommend a treatment plan for you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
What are some Treatment Options
Depending on the condition of your spine, your back specialist may recommend pain medication. Over the counter medications are options and include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin. Many of these can cause stomach and digestive problems. Your back specialist can prescribe stronger medications that do not affect the stomach as
What is chronic back pain
The majority of people will experience some back pain in their lifetime and will usually get better on its own within three months. Chronic pain is described as pain that last for more than three months. There is nothing more discouraging than to realize you may be in pain for the rest of your life, relying of pain medications just to get through the day. Today, there are many treatment options available, but before proper treatment can be initiated, your back specialist must determine what is the source of your pain.
Chronic back can be constant, intermittent, or occurs only when the body is in certain positions or during certain activities. It can be a dull ache or a sharp pain that remains in one spot or radiates to other parts of the body, including the arms and legs. Other symptoms may include tingling, weakness, or numbness. Who suffers from chronic back pain Anyone of any age can suffer from back pain. Typically, people from 30 to 60 years of age are more likely to suffer from disc problems such as herniation or degenerative disc disease. However, People over 60 are more likely to suffer from joint degeneration caused by osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis. Causes of chronic back pain The spine is an intricate combination of bone, cartilage, and nerves that fit together to form a tough, flexible column. It is composed of 33 vertebrae with soft discs of cartilage that fits between them. The discs have a hard outer ring and soft inner ring. Inside the vertebral column is a hollow space through which runs the spinal cord, a column of nerves that extend from the brain down through the vertebral column. From the spinal cord, nerves extend throughout the body and its extremities. Chronic back pain has many causes and may affect other parts of the body such as the arms or legs causing pain, tingling, or numbness. The root cause, however, lies within the spine. A disc protruding between the vertebrae is called a bulging disc and may not cause any pain. If the pressure increases on the bulging disc, it may rupture, or herniate, …show more content…
Spinal stenosis is also part of the aging process and is the narrowing of the spinal column which causing pressure on the spinal cord. Stenosis can affect any part of the spine but is more serious in the cervical region. It is very important to get a proper diagnosis from your back specialist.
How is a Diagnosis Made?
Your back specialist will want to do some tests before a treatment plan is initiated which may include spinal x-rays, CT scans, and MRI’s. These tests will check the condition of the spine, the vertebrae and will show if there is any misalignment, arthritis, stenosis, sciatica, or any other problems that may exist. Your back specialist will then recommend a treatment plan for you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
What are some Treatment Options
Depending on the condition of your spine, your back specialist may recommend pain medication. Over the counter medications are options and include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium and aspirin. Many of these can cause stomach and digestive problems. Your back specialist can prescribe stronger medications that do not affect the stomach as