Patients suffering with lower back pain often undergo X-rays or imaging scans to discover the source of the problem. But new research shows scanning to find the source of back pain may do more harm than good.
Researchers from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland reviewed six scientific studies made up of nearly two thousand individuals with lower back pain. They showed that back pain patients who underwent scans didn’t get better any faster or have less pain, depression or anxiety than individuals who weren’t scanned. More important, the data concluded that individuals who get scanned for back pain may end up with more pain than those who are left alone, according to the report published this week in the medical journal Lancet.
About two thirds of adults wind up suffering with low back pain at some time in their lives, and low back pain is the second most common symptom that lands people in their doctors office (upper respiratory problems are first). Studies suggest that more than half the individuals who see a doctor for back pain undergo X-rays or another imaging study as a result.
The problem, say researchers, is that back scans can bring out physical changes in the back that aren’t really causing any problem. One well known study from The New England Journal of Medicine put 98 individuals with no back pain into a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Even though all of them had healthy backs, two out of three of them came back with magnetic resonance imaging results that showed disk issues.
You can locate lots of stuff on X-rays and M.R.I.’s like degenerative disks and arthritis, but these things are very weakly correlated with low back pain, said study author Dr. Roger Chou, associate professor of medicine at Oregon Health. We think we’re helping individuals by doing a test, but we’re adding cost, exposing individuals to radiation and individuals may be getting unnecessary surgery. They start to think of themselves as having a horrible back problem and they discontinue doing exercise and things that are good for them, when in reality, a lot of individuals have degenerative disks and arthritis and have no pain at all.
Dr. Chou said individuals should ask their doctors why a scan or X-ray is needed rather than using pain relief and exercise to cope while a back heals on its own. Most back pain gets better within 30 days if a person takes normal precautions after a pain episode. If back pain continues for longer than a month, or if symptoms suggest a more serious problem like an infection or tumor, then an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging may be needed, Dr. Chou said.
I think individuals should ask themselves whether they actually need it, Dr. Chou said. From a societal perspective, it’s important because we’re wasting a large amount of money that could be used for better purposes. But from an individual patient’s view, doing X-rays and M.R.I.s can lead you down a road that you don’t want to go down.
A Few Ways To Help You With The Pain
One of the most effective natural pain relievers is acupuncture. A recent study conducted in the UK showed that people who underwent the acupuncture therapy not only experienced a huge reduction in pain, they also were less likely to use medicines. However, you need to check with your doctor to make sure that you are physically ready to undergo acupuncture. Capsaicin cream is another popular back pain remedy- it is actually an analgesic, which means that it depletes the neuro-chemicals that transmit pain. Be cautious when using this as it can cause stinging or burning if you touch wounded skin or your eyes.
Replenishing your vitamin intake can also help beat a bad spine. Studies have shown that chronic muscle pain is often caused due to a vitamin D deficiency. You can easily supplement this by eating more cereals and drinking fortified milk. It’s also interesting to note that music is an effective form of back relief. How? Most back-related problems are related to stress. This often causes the muscles to get tense and bunch up, thus causing pain. Listening to soothing music can relax you and cause those tense muscles to loosen up.
You can also treat a bad back with yoga. This method will also increase your body’s overall strength and flexibility. Those who have opted for yoga have experienced a reduction in pain, increased mobility and a decreased reliance on medication. So the next time your back starts acting up, don’t just reach out for the medication. Instead, meet with your doctor and find out what’s actually wrong. Then you can easily find a spine relief method that would actually work for you.
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When it comes to back pain, sufferers can relate that anything goes in the battle to alleviate discomfort. Back pain can significantly disrupt your life leaving you incapable of performing simple activities. And while an evening rest may be a respite for some, for those suffering from back pain, being in bed only leads to restless tossing and turning. It’s no wonder that more and more people turn to back pain medication to allow them a reprieve from discomfort and promote healing.


