 |
General Orthopedics, Trauma, Sports Medicine, Hand Surgery,
Foot and Ankle Surgery & Total Joint Replacement
Shoulder & Elbow Surgery |
Back pain, the ancient curse, is
now appearing as a modern epidemic. It is estimated that 80% of
people are affected by this symptom at some time in their lives.
Although back pain is common from
the second decade of life on, intervertibral disc disease and
disc herniation are most prominent in otherwise healthy people
in the third and fourth decades of life.
The usual history of lumbar disc
herniation is of repetitive lower back and buttock pain relieved
by rest after a short period of time. Other symtoms include
weakness and numbness.
The simplest treament for acute back
pain is rest. Muscle spasm can be controlled by the application
of ice. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory effect can be achieved
with aspirin. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are
also helpful when aspirin is not tolerated or is of little help.
Epidural injections, a combination
of a long acting steroid with an epidural anesthetic, is an
excellent method of symptomatic treatment of back and leg pain
from disc disease. Most studies show a 60 to 85% success rate.
When conservative treatment for
lumbar disc disease fails, the next consideration is surgical
treatment. This treatment is appropriate for the patient with
leg pain extending below the knee that has been present for at
least six weeks.
Prior to surgery, MRI scans and
myelograms are indicated. Also, other conditions that present as
back pain must be ruled out. |
HOME
Copyright 2006 - Cumberland Orthopedic Professional Association
www.copabones.com |