Disease, Illness and Condition Library
Backache
diseases. Below we have listed a handful of conditions and ailments, along with short descriptions and summaries. Listed Ankylosing spondylitis Back muscle strain Herniated Disk (Ruptured Disk, Slipped Disk) Kidney Infection Misalignment of the spine Osteoarthritis of the spine Osteoporosis Pregnancy Backache Spinal stenosis Tumor related spinal problems Ankylosing spondylitis is characterized by chronic pain and stiffness that seems worse in the morning; those suffering with pain are normally within the ages of 20 and 40. What to do? Usual treatment is anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, massage, and prescribed exercise. Additional Information Treatment is essential to prevent progression to fusion of the joints and a rigid spine. Back Muscle Strain is characterized by soreness after overexertion on injury; soreness that develops during the night; soreness that radiates through the buttocks or thighs. What to do? Rest for a few days; use pain relievers if necessary. Additional Information Physical therapy may include the application of heat and cold, gentle massage, and exercises to prevent future problems. Herniated Disk (Ruptured Disk, Slipped Disk) is characterized by a sudden onset of pain; pain may radiate down one leg after lifting heavy objects, strenuous exercise, twisting, sneezing, or coughing; bending forward at the waist increases pain; lying down eases pain. What to do? Consult your medical professional or chiropractic care specialist. Treatment may include pain relievers, bed rest, physical therapy, and wearing a supportive collar. Additional Information Disk problems have been know to lead to other problems such as sciatica or bowel or bladder incontinence. Chiropractic as mentioned above may be helpful. Some patients have reported good results with acupuncture. If a part of the disk is pressing on the nerve surgery may be suggested by your doctor. Kidney Infection is characterized by pain in the lower back; fever of 100 degrees or above; painful urination; nausea or vomiting. What to do? Call your doctor immediately. A kidney infection requires immediate treatment with antibiotics. Additional Information Be sure to take the antibiotics for the full length of the prescription. Misalignment of the spine is characterized by chronic lower back pain that comes and goes for months or years. What to do? Chiropractic medicine deals with bones and bone structure. A doctor of chiropractic medicine should be able to guide you in the right direction or possible correct your spinal misalignment. Additional Information The underlying cause may be poor muscle tone in the abdomen or back, obesity, or osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis of the spine is characterized by pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the back, buttocks, or thighs; difficulty moving or bending the back. What to do? Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug for pain relief. Rest, heat, exercise, and physical therapy may be helpful. Additional Information This condition can be caused by strain, injury, or aging. Osteoporosis is characterized by sharp pain in a specific place along the spine. What to do? Hormone replacement therapy may be recommended for postmenopausal women, to prevent further bone loss. Additional Information This is a condition that is most common in women over 60 and people confined to bed or a wheelchair. Patients are not encouraged to smoke or drink alcohol, to eat less animal protein and fat, to obtain sufficient calcium, and to do moderate to light weight training. Pregnancy Backache is characterized by pain in the lower back in a woman who is more than four months pregnant. What to do? Learning how to lift properly, wearing supportive shoes, improving posture, and sleeping on a firm mattress may help. Additional Information Acupressure, chiropractic, or massage may be helpful. Spinal stenosis is characterized by back pain, especially at night, which persists despite lying down. What to do? Contact your doctor. Losing weight and doing abdominal exercises may help. Surgery is required in some cases. Additional Information The pain is caused by narrowing of the spinal canal at a point where a nerve passes. Improving posture may help. Tumor related spinal problems are characterized by back pain, especially at night that is not relieved by lying down. What to do? Call your doctor without delay. A medical evaluation is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. Additional Information A tumor may be benign or malignant. By the time it causes pain, it is probably sizeable. Cancer of the back is more likely in those with existing cancer elsewhere.
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