A backache takes into account the discomfort, pain, stiffness, soreness, and inflammation that is felt in the usually what is the lower back. The backache may also be called back pain. There is a large range as to the type and severity of the symptoms that are felt, and may not just be localized in the back, but may spread to the hips and other areas. There are many different reasons as to why someone might experience backache or pain and they could be any from an injury to the back to an underlying disease.
Depending on the cause, the backache may only be present for a short period of time, but also may linger for extended periods and may be chronic. The ache or pain may be sudden like a stabbing or shooting pain but it also may be a dull ache that lasts. It may be aggravated by movement, soothed by heat and many other variations. With certain conditions, the backache might appear to be only mild but as the condition worsens, it may get very harsh and take away the ability of the person to move as they normally would.
The backache occurs with other symptoms from what is causing it. Some people experience a numbness or tingling sensations in their limbs, weakness of legs or feet, pain while the person is sitting and even fever. There are also other symptoms such as the inability to move the back due to increasing stiffness, weakness in the back, amongst others.
For a diagnosis of the problem behind the backache, there are a number of things to complete. One is to examine the medical history in the family for various diseases or related conditions. There should also be an examination of the individual’s medical history to find possible links from other possible conditions that they have had in the past. A physical examination will be done following or at the same time as the medical history. This will include an examination of not just the back, but of the whole body. There are muscle and reflex tests, a rectal exam, and a neurological exam. Another part that is to be completed as well as these investigations is to go through routine blood tests, urine tests, MRI’s, x-rays, EMG’s, and so on.
Sometimes missed diagnoses happen due to the nature of the symptoms or the cause. Not only that but they can also be wrongly diagnosed. It is important to have the tests done thoroughly and if the patient would like a second opinion, they have every right to do so.
The treatment for these patients depends on the cause behind the backache. For patients suffering from back strains, the person may be put on bed rest or medicine to reduce the pain while following a strict routine that doesn’t cause more injury. However, for more complicated diseases and conditions, there will be other methods of coping. There may be medications for loosening up the back muscles or to reduce the pain while other treatments are given.
