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Low back pain
is experienced by more than three-quarters of the population at
some time during their lives. While this problem is not as serious
as cancer or heart disease, its cost to society is greater because
of lost productivity and its chronic, recurring nature. The vast
majority of back pain is caused by inflammation in the muscles,
ligaments, joints, and nerves of the lumbar spine.
 Soft
tissue pain from myofascial syndrome and fibromyositis may occur
at almost any age, with or without injury. In the acute setting,
we call it a sprain or strain. These problems usually respond to
simple measures like rest, gentle exercises, anti-inflammatory medication
and therapy. Maintenance exercises, good posture and body mechanics,
and injury prevention go a long way in preventing a chronic, recurring
problem.
Degenerative
disc disease, also called "arthritis" in older age groups, explains
a larger percentage of back pain after age 40. Wear and tear on
all weight bearing joints, including the spine, is inevitable. Its
impact can be minimized by the same preventative measures used to
treat soft tissue problems. Weight control, daily stretching exercises,
low impact aerobic exercises, and good body mechanics make for a
healthy spine.
Nerve compression
is not common when considering the big picture. Since these are
severe incapacitating pains, their treatment is usually more aggressive
than other back problems. The "conservative" treatments mentioned
above are often abbreviated due to pain. Epidural steroid injection
and surgery are more drastic options. In cases of severe nerve compression,
taking pressure off the nerve with laminectomy and/or diskectomy
is the quickest and most definitive solution to the problem. Fusion
of the spine is sometimes needed, if spinal instability has developed.
Serious problems
like fractures, traumas, infections, and vascular problems (abdominal
aneurysms) are not common, but need to be investigated since their
treatment is different. X-rays, CT scans, MRI's, and bone scans
help categorize problems.
While low back
pain may be inevitable, like most problems in life, prevention is
easier than treatment.
*For
more topics of interest on neurology and neurosurgery visit www.neurohaven.com
or call (863) 293-2107
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