Treatment of back pain

Dorsalgia is a medical term that means pain in any part of the back — cervical, thoracic, or lumbar. It may occur after physical exertion, prolonged staying in one position, or be a manifestation of diseases of the spine, muscles, joints, or internal organs.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), back pain is one of the most common reasons for consulting a doctor and a leading cause of limitation of work capacity in the world. Therefore, if your back hurts, you should not limit yourself only to taking pain-relieving medications. It is important to establish the cause of the symptoms and select optimal treatment.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical», patients can have a consultation with a neurologist, the necessary examinations, and receive an individual therapy plan. To schedule an appointment, use the online appointment form on the website or contact the contact center by phone.

Dorsalgia may differ by localization and cause of occurrence. Determining the type of pain helps establish its possible source and select optimal treatment.

By localization, the following are distinguished:

• cervicalgia — pain in the cervical spine;

• thoracalgia — pain in the thoracic region;

• lumbalgia — pain in the lumbar region;

• sacralgia — pain in the sacral area.

By duration of course, dorsalgia may be:

• acute — lasts up to 6 weeks;

• subacute — persists from 6 to 12 weeks;

• chronic — lasts more than 12 weeks or recurs regularly.

By origin, the following are distinguished:

• vertebrogenic dorsalgia — associated with diseases of the spine, intervertebral discs, joints, or ligaments;

• non-vertebrogenic — caused by diseases of the muscles, internal organs, or other conditions not directly related to the spine.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that back pain may have different origins. That is why, in order to choose effective treatment, it is important first of all to establish the cause.

The most common causes of dorsalgia include:

• muscle overstrain after physical exertion, lifting heavy objects, or prolonged staying in an uncomfortable position;

• degenerative diseases of the spine, in particular osteochondrosis, protrusions and herniated intervertebral discs, spondylosis and spondyloarthrosis;

• back injuries, consequences of falls or road traffic accidents;

• posture disorders, scoliosis, and other spinal deformities;

• inflammatory diseases of the spine and joints;

• diseases of internal organs in which pain may radiate to the back (kidneys, organs of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, pelvic organs).

In some cases, the cause of pain is not structural changes of the spine, but a sedentary lifestyle, excessive body weight, prolonged sitting, or regular static loads. Such factors do not always cause back pain, but may contribute to its development or provoke exacerbation.

In some patients, the spine hurts only in one area, for example in the lower back, while in others the pain spreads to several parts of the back. Depending on the cause of the disease, there may be a feeling that the lower back is burning or pulling, especially after physical exertion, prolonged sitting, or staying in an uncomfortable position.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend consulting a doctor if the pain does not go away within several days, recurs regularly, or is accompanied by numbness of the limbs, weakness, gait disturbance, or other neurological symptoms.

Back pain may be a manifestation of different diseases, so to choose effective treatment, it is important to determine its cause. During the appointment, the neurologist performs an examination, checks spinal mobility, assesses the condition of the muscles, reflexes, sensitivity, and muscle strength. This helps determine the possible source of pain and decide which additional examinations are necessary.

If necessary, the following may be prescribed:

• radiography to detect deformities, fractures, and other changes in bone structures;

• MRI of the spine for a detailed assessment of intervertebral discs, nerve structures, and soft tissues;

• computed tomography according to individual indications, in particular to clarify the condition of bone structures after injuries or if a neoplasm is suspected;

• laboratory tests if inflammatory, infectious, or systemic diseases are suspected.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that instrumental examinations are not needed for all patients. They are prescribed only when it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis or exclude diseases that may be the cause of pain.

Instrumental research methods help detect degenerative changes of the spine, in particular spondylosis, protrusions, and other pathologies, as well as exclude injuries, neoplasms, and inflammatory diseases. This makes it possible to establish the exact cause of pain and choose the most effective treatment strategy.

Treatment of acute back pain usually involves medication therapy to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm. In case of intense pain, the doctor may recommend a back blockade — injection administration of medications into the area of the pain source for rapid relief of symptoms. If the patient is concerned about chronic back pain, treatment should be comprehensive and may include the use of several methods.

Depending on the established diagnosis, the patient may be recommended:

• medication therapy to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm;

• a back blockade in case of intense pain that cannot be sufficiently controlled with medication therapy;

• physiotherapy to reduce pain syndrome, improve blood circulation, and accelerate tissue recovery;

• therapeutic exercise to strengthen the muscle corset, restore mobility, and prevent repeated exacerbations;

• massage — to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that treatment of back diseases is always selected individually. A comprehensive approach helps not only reduce pain, but also restore mobility, return to the usual lifestyle, and reduce the risk of recurrence of symptoms.

Back health largely depends on lifestyle, the level of physical activity, and daily habits. Following simple recommendations helps reduce the load on the spine and lower the risk of developing many diseases.

For prevention, doctors recommend:

• regularly engaging in physical activity and performing exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen;

• avoiding prolonged staying in one position and taking short breaks during sedentary work;

• properly lifting and carrying heavy objects, without allowing sudden movements;

• monitoring posture during work and rest;

• maintaining normal body weight;

• arranging the workplace so that it is ergonomic, as well as using a comfortable mattress and pillow.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» explain that prevention of back diseases should be regular, and not only when complaints have already appeared. Daily healthy habits help maintain normal mobility of the spine, reduce its overload, and lower the risk of problems recurring in the future.

The cost of treatment of back pain depends on the established diagnosis and the recommended methods of therapy. After the examination, the doctor determines the possible cause of the symptoms, if necessary prescribes additional diagnostics, and then draws up an individual therapy plan.

You can view the current prices for doctors’ consultations here. During the appointment, the specialist will orient you regarding the cost of the necessary medical services and answer all questions. To schedule a consultation, leave a request through the online appointment form on the website or contact the contact center by phone.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• World Health Organization

• American College of Physicians

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence