Back Pain

Diagnosis

The following procedures will help the healthcare provider will properly identify the cause and diagnose back pain.

• Physical examination: The healthcare provider will evaluate the patient’s back and assess their ability to sit, stand, walk, and lift their legs. They will also be asked to rate the pain they are experiencing on a scale of zero to 10 and inquire about how it affects their regular activities.

The assessment will help identify the cause of the pain, the amount of movement the patient can perform before stopping due to pain, and the presence of muscle spasms. It can also help in ruling out more serious causes of back pain.

• Imaging test:
  • X-ray: Images of arthritis or fractured bones can be seen in the x-ray results. However, the spinal cord, muscles, nerves, or disk issues won’t be visible on these test.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans: Images produced by these scans may show herniated disks or issues with blood vessels, bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, or tendons and ligaments.
• Blood tests: They can help in figuring out whether pain might be brought on by an infection or another ailment.
• Electromyography (EMG): This test determines how the nerves’ electrical impulses affect the muscles’ responses. This examination can confirm pressure on the nerves brought on by herniated disks or spinal canal constriction.

Treatment

Most back pain sufferers, especially those under 60, see relief within a month of receiving home treatment. But for many people, the discomfort lasts for several months.

The reason for the back pain will determine how long it lasts. In cases where the pain is caused by an infection, completing a course of antibiotics may lead to its resolution. However, if the cause of the pain is spinal degeneration, ongoing treatment may be necessary for the remainder of a person’s life.

People with back pain are advised to maintain their activities as much as possible, including light exercises such as walking. They should avoid activities that exacerbate the pain but should not refrain from doing things out of fear of experiencing pain. If home remedies do not improve the condition after a few weeks, healthcare providers may recommend stronger medications or different treatments.

• Medications: The type of back pain will determine the appropriate medication. They might consist of:
  • Topical pain relievers: These items provide painkillers through the skin, including creams, salves, ointments, and patches.
  • Pain relievers: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), may be of assistance. Just use these medications as prescribed. Serious side effects might result with overuse. The healthcare provider can advise prescription NSAIDs if over-the-counter painkillers are ineffective.
  • Muscle relaxants: A muscle relaxant could be helpful if mild to moderate back pain does not get better after taking painkillers. Dizziness and sleepiness can be brought on by muscle relaxants.
  • Narcotics: Healthcare provider will closely monitor the patient if prescribed by opioid-containing medications, like oxycodone or hydrocodone, may be taken for a brief period of time.
  • Antidepressants: Chronic back pain has been demonstrated to be reduced by some antidepressant types, particularly duloxetine (Cymbalta) and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can teach exercises aimed at improving posture, back and abdominal strength, and flexibility. Consistent practice of these methods can help prevent the reappearance of pain. Additionally, physical therapists will guide patients on modifying their movements during a backache episode to prevent the pain from worsening while engaging in physical activities.
• Surgical procedures: The following procedures will help treating back pain, which may include:
  • Cortisone injections: An injection of cortisone and a numbing agent into the region surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots may be helpful if other treatments are ineffective in relieving pain. An injection of cortisone helps in reducing inflammation near the nerve roots, but the pain alleviation often only lasts for a month or two.
  • Radiofrequency ablation: A fine needle will be inserted through the skin close to the painful location. Radio waves are sent through the needle to harm the nearby nerves. Damage to the nerves prevents the brain from receiving pain signals.
  • Nerve stimulators: Some nerves can receive electrical impulses from implants placed under the skin that suppress pain signals.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be an option for individuals experiencing developing muscle weakness or leg pain, as it can help increase space in the spine. Herniated disks or other disorders that narrow spinal openings may also be responsible for such problems.