Search results
Jul 9, 2021 · Patient education forms a cornerstone of back pain management and may be delivered in many forms. Introduction. Patient education, reassurance and self-care advice is the first-line care for patients with back and musculoskeletal pain and is recommended by clinical guidelines [1, 2].
- Epidemiology
- Cause
- Scope
- Function
- Structure
- Administrative divisions
- Variations
- Clinical significance
- Signs and symptoms
- Symptoms
- Management
- Diagnosis
- Prognosis
- Medical uses
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Contraindications
Low back pain is one of the most common disorders in the United States. About 80 percent of people have at least one episode of low back pain during their lifetime.
Factors that increase the risk of developing low back pain include smoking, obesity, older age, female gender, physically strenuous work, sedentary work, a stressful job, job dissatisfaction and psychological factors such as anxiety or depression. CAUSES Low back pain can have many causes. However, most people (>85 percent) have \"nonspecific low b...
This topic review will focus on acute low back pain (lasting up to four weeks). Back pain in children and adolescents is discussed separately (see \"Patient education: Back pain in children and adolescents (Beyond the Basics)\"). More detailed information and information about subacute (lasting 4 to 12 weeks) and chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks...
The back is formed by bones, muscles, nerves, and other tissues that work together to help us stand and bend. The bones of the back are called vertebrae, which together form the spinal column. The spinal column protects the spinal cord, part of the central nervous system that controls our ability to feel and move.
The spinal cord passes through an opening on the back of the vertebrae. The vertebrae are stacked one on top of another. Small nerves (called nerve roots) exit from the spinal cord and pass through spaces on the sides of the vertebrae. The spinal column extends below the base of the spinal cord. The nerve roots to the lower back and legs are togeth...
There are four main regions of the back; the cervical (C), thoracic (T), lumbar (L), and sacral (S) regions (figure 1).
The vertebrae are numbered from top to bottom. As an example, the top lumbar vertebra is called the L1 vertebra. Low back pain occurs in the area of the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, most commonly at L4, L5, and S1.
Facet joint arthropathy Facet joint arthropathy refers to arthritis in the joints connecting the vertebrae to one another (facet joints). This can lead to bone spurs around the joint and may cause low back pain. However, like degenerative disc disease, facet joint arthropathy is very common with aging and many people have no symptoms. Spondylolist...
A bulging disc protrudes less than a herniated disc. It is more common than a herniated disc and is seen in half of people who have no back pain. A bulging disc usually causes no symptoms, although occasionally it can cause sciatica. (See 'Sciatica' below.)
SYMPTOMS Radiculopathy A common feature of low back pain is radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve root is irritated by a protruding disc or arthritis of the spine. Radiculopathies usually cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the specific areas related to the affected nerve root, usually the lower leg. Many people with...
When to seek help Some people with low back pain should be managed by a primary care or family medicine practitioner. If low back pain is caused by a serious condition, a neurosurgeon or orthopedist who specializes in back surgery is usually recommended. People who have any of the following should contact their health care practitioner for advice:
TESTS Imaging Imaging tests, including plain radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scanning, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be recommended for people with certain conditions [2]. However, radiographs do not usually show enough detail to diagnose a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Other common conditions, such as degenerative disc dis...
The vast majority of people with low back pain improve within four to six weeks without treatment or with simple measures that can be performed at home. It is not usually necessary to consult a healthcare practitioner if the pain improves [1]. (See \"Treatment of acute low back pain\", section on 'Prognosis'.)
Radiographs Radiographs may be recommended for selected people who have risk factors or signs of infection, cancer, or vertebral compression fracture related to osteoporosis. Radiographs expose the body to radiation. (See 'When to seek help' above.)
TREATMENT Unless low back pain is caused by a serious medical condition, a rapid recovery is expected, even if there is a bulging or herniated disc. The body breaks down bulging discs, taking pressure off the nerve. Care of an attack of low back pain includes several simple elements. (See \"Treatment of acute low back pain\".) Remaining active Man...
Although high-impact activities should be avoided, it is fine to continue doing regular day-to-day activities and light exercises, such as walking. If certain activities cause the back to hurt too much, it is fine to stop that activity and try another. Recommended activities include those that involve strengthening and stretching, such as walking, ...
Opioids (drugs derived from morphine) are not recommended because they have not been found to be more effective than other pain medications for treating chronic back pain; additionally, they have a relatively high risk of side effects and the potential to cause harm with long-term use.
Jun 19, 2023 · Low back pain (LBP) describes pain between the lower edge of the ribs and the buttock. It can affect anyone. LBP makes it hard to move and can affect quality of life and mental well-being. It can limit work activities and engagement with family and friends.
5 hours ago · Back pain is common. Yours could be caused when the fluid-filled, shock-absorbing cushions in your spine wear out. Learn about why this happens and the nonsurgical to surgical treatment options.
Dec 11, 2023 · Back pain arises from a broad range of causes in adults and children, though most are mechanical in nature or have a nonspecific origin. Mechanical back pain comprises 90% of cases, so health providers can easily miss rare causes while focusing on common etiologies.
- 2023/12/11
Dec 2, 2021 · Ice packs may relieve discomfort and help lessen inflammation in short-term phases of back pain.
People also ask
How can patient education help prevent back pain recurrence or aggravation?
How long does back pain education last?
What is patient education in back pain management?
Can you prevent back pain?
Jul 9, 2021 · Successfully managing chronic pain requires education and self-mastery of key skills. Self-management is the first rung of the ladder in pain care—followed by primary care, with specialty care and pain centers most appropriately used for the most complex problems (4, 7, 17).
