How to Diagnose and Treat Low back Pain

Do not allow pain affect your activities. Gather some info on how to diagnose and treat lower back pain.

Low back pain is just one of the many symptoms that can cause varying degrees of discomfort depending on the involvement. Numerous procedures can be done to come up with the most accurate diagnosis and these include: physical examination, special tests, and diagnostic procedures. Since the extent of affectations differ, lower back pain treatment given also varies, which ranges from a simple medication to the most complicated surgery.

Low back pain is a condition felt on the lower back of the spine, which is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries affecting various age groups. The characteristic pain varies depending on the cause such as: spinal nerve irritation, strained back muscle, fracture, damaged ligaments, and displacement of the intervertebral disk (IVD). Since the cause varies, diagnostic procedures also vary depending on the structure involved.

There are two basic types of pain, acute and chronic, which last between 4 – 6 weeks and 6 weeks and beyond respectively. Thus, physical examination and initial evaluation is important to establish history of such complaint. The onset as well as positions that can trigger the occurrence of pain should also be noted to be able to determine what structure causes discomfort. Age is also another important consideration when doing differential diagnosis for LBP because there are common conditions affecting the spine of an elderly. If you have existing medical conditions such as kidney ailment, hip problems, and ulcers; pain radiating on the lower back may also manifest, which can sometimes be confused as ordinary back pain.

Not all the time diagnostic procedures are recommended every time a patient experience back pain. Simple neurologic tests may be conducted to identify which part is affected. Some of the neurologic tests done when diagnosing back pain are the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) and the sitting Knee Extension Test.

After initial findings are done, physicians may order for additional procedures to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. People who are candidates to undergo further tests are the following: children, elderly, with nocturnal pain, progressive lower limb weakness, and sudden with intense pain. These are just some of the serious instances that need to be given immediate attention to rule out other possible conditions. The most commonly used tests include the following:

X-ray

X-ray, an electromagnetic radiation is an effective tool in diagnosing conditions affecting internal structures because it can penetrate solid structures with ease. Fractures and herniated disk are best seen using this simple procedure.

Bone scan

For spinal tumors and infection that manifests as back pain, bone scan is the most appropriate since internal examination is made possible through a scanning camera.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Sometimes known as CAT or the Computed Axial Tomography, is an advanced X-ray that produces images of the body without actual exposure to radiation. It is a safe procedure; although, sometimes requires the use of dye to emphasize a tissue.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A more expensive procedure that is able to detect soft tissue involvement in the spine is the MRI. It makes use of radio waves and magnet, which converts signals into images in the absence of radiation. However, this is only ordered when pain has been present for more than a month.

Treatment options available for LBP are wide enough to address all structures causing the pain. While some do not need serious therapy, physicians often advise any of the following:

Pain medication

Most symptoms resolve after a month or so without the need for necessary treatments aside from pain medications. You can choose from various OTC drugs like non-steroidal and ordinary pain relievers. However if pain persists, further therapeutic management has to be applied.

Physical therapy

Treatments used in therapy sessions include application of hot packs, therapeutic ultrasound, positioning, strengthening exercises, and biofeedback. These may sound complicated, yet very effective in getting rid of pain as well as prevent recurrence in the future. Therapy is essential because this will help the patient lead a functional life despite the disabling effect of pain.

Surgical intervention

In rare cases, surgery is recommended especially when there is progressive involvement of motor function due to compression of nerve. More so when sexual and urinary dysfunctions are apparent caused by the increasing pressure of disk.

The key to effectively manage LBP is accurate diagnosis because without it, effective treatment is almost impossible.