Serious spine pain can get in the way of patients’ ability to perform daily tasks and to enjoy their lives. The treatment required to find Spine Pain Relief will depend on a doctor’s diagnosis of the underlying problem causing the pain. Disorders as dissimilar as spinal stenosis and discogenic back pain may be at fault, so it’s important that patients work with their doctors to determine the cause of the pain in order to find the best possible treatment. It can be hard to find the words to describe these problems, though, so below are descriptions of a few common disorders to help in getting started.
Spinal Stenosis
Most common in patients over the age of 50, spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. It is most frequently caused by arthritis. While there is no cure, non-surgical treatment is available. This may include exercises to improve flexibility and strength, the use of assistive devices, pain medications, or corticosteroid injections during flare-ups. Surgery is typically reserved for only extremely severe cases.
Facet Syndrome
Facet joints contribute to the human spine’s range of motion. When they become inflamed it can cause both stiffness and pain. It is often made worse by poor posture or prolonged periods of inactivity, as changing positions often helps with the pain. Most suggested Spinal Pain Relief treatments for facet syndrome are corrective. Exercises and stretches may be taught to the patient, and often anti-inflammatory medications must be used in conjunction with physical therapy to decrease inflammation.
Discogenic Back Pain
This condition is often thought to be a natural consequence of the aging process. That doesn’t mean nothing can be done to treat it or alleviate the symptoms. Physical therapy can be used to build muscle strength in the area so that less pressure is placed on the discs. Medications can also be used to remove any existing inflammation and help the healing process. As with most spinal issues, surgery is reserved only for extreme cases.
Spinal Compression Fracture
These small fractures are more commonly seen in older women than any other demographic. The pain associated with these fractures may start suddenly, or may grow over time. These fractures are typically due to osteoporosis, so in addition to helping them heal it’s important to learn from a qualified doctor how best to prevent future fractures as well. Visit Aspirepainmedicalcenter.com for more information. You can also follow them on Twitter for more information.
