BACK PAIN: EXAMINATION

Back pain has two stages: First is the acute stage and secondly is the chronic stage. The acute stage is the stage at which the victim only experiences a mild pain at the affected area {neck, waist, mid-back}. At this stage, the patient only needs to take enough rest.

While the chronic stage is the stage at which the victim experiences some kind of difficulty in moving some parts of the body like the neck, waist, fingers, foot, etc. Patient of chronic back pain can be treated with the use of cryotherapy to reduce the inflammation.

Back pain can have many underlying reasons, but often no specific cause will be found and the pain will stop. This chapter tries to touch on many of the causes of back pain and proper evaluation and diagnosis. Please make sure to discuss your individual symptoms as well as the suggested treatments with your health-care provider to determine the appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan for your circumstances.

Ultra sound therapy is also another way to reduce localized pain and tenderness. Electromyogram called EMG could also be used; this test involves the placement of very small needles into the muscles. Electrical activity is monitored. Its use is usually reserved for more chronic pain and to predict the level of nerve root damage. The test is also able to help the doctor distinguish between nerve root disease and muscle disease.

The diagnosis employed in the treatment of chronic pain includes; Electromyogram, CT scan and deep heat therapy such as short wave diathermy, micro-wave diathermy, infrared ultrasound therapy. These have deep penetrating effects; the diagnosis to be used depends on the description and depth of the pain by the patient.

Whatever diagnosis chosen, the aim of relieving pain and relaxation of muscles is achieved. All the heat treatment is followed up by therapeutic exercises to straighten the back muscles, maintain and increase spinal mobility.