Patient Education Series | Unraveling Axial Back Pain | Gabriele Jasper, MD
A trusted pain management specialist, Dr. Gabriele Jasper tends to patients at his private practice - Jasper Spine Institute - in Brick, New Jersey. His state-of-the-art facility allows patients to receive minimally invasive procedures in-house, in order to relieve pain, have a shorter recovery time, and return them to... more
Unraveling Axial Back Pain
Defining Axial Back Pain: Axial back pain is a mechanical symptom intricately linked to the degenerative cascade of the vertebral column. Patients often experience lower back pain, occasionally radiating, triggered by activities like bending, lifting, or coughing. Relief may be found through rest or hydrotherapy.
Clinical Presentation: Patients typically present with lower back pain that may radiate, influenced by specific movements. The clinical picture includes pain provoked by bending forward, lifting, and coughing. Rest or hydrotherapy may offer respite from the discomfort.
Radiographic Presentation: X-rays reveal degenerative changes, including the loss of disc height and the presence of osteophytes (spurs). Full-length spinal X-rays might be requested to assess overall alignment. MRI scans corroborate the diagnosis and guide treatment, while discography may be utilized in some instances.
Treatment Approaches: Non-operative measures encompass painkillers, physical therapy, and occasionally corticosteroid injections. Operative indications arise in cases of intractable pain, protracted symptoms, and a precipitous decline in function due to a worsening neurological deficit. Various surgical options are available, tailored to individual anatomical and material circumstances.
Consulting an Anesthesiologist: In the intricate landscape of axial back pain, seeking guidance from an anesthesiologist or pain management specialist becomes crucial. Their expertise ensures a personalized approach, considering the unique aspects of each patient's condition. This collaboration enhances the overall management of axial back pain, prioritizing comprehensive well-being.
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