Get Rid of Back Pain Once and For All Diabetics!

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Ahmed Eran, an internist, discusses the common issue of low back pain, which affects many people. He explains that it can be categorized into acute, subacute, and chronic types, each with different causes and treatments. Dr. Eran emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, considering both physical symptoms and psychosocial factors. He advises against routine imaging for nonspecific pain but recommends it for severe or progressive neurological issues. The video also covers various treatment options, including physical therapy, non-drug therapies, and when to consider surgery, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to manage low back pain effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Low back pain is common and can be categorized into acute, subacute, and chronic based on duration.
• 🔍 Approximately 90% of patients with low back pain do not have a specific identifiable cause.
• 🏥 Common causes for those with identifiable reasons include spinal stenosis and compression fractures.
• 💊 Musculoskeletal issues, such as strains and posture-related aches, are typical for those without a clear cause.
• ⚠️ Serious conditions like cancer and infection, as well as visceral diseases, should be considered as potential causes of back pain.
• 🌿 A holistic approach to treating low back pain is essential, considering both physical symptoms and psychosocial factors.
• 👩‍⚕️ Doctors should perform thorough physical examinations to rule out serious underlying disorders.
• 🚫 Routine imaging within the first 6 weeks of nonspecific low back pain symptoms is generally not beneficial.
• 📈 Imaging is necessary when there are severe or progressive neurological issues, or if red flags are present.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Education and staying physically active are crucial for managing low back pain.
• 💊 Non-drug treatment options, such as physical therapy, heat, massage, and acupuncture, are recommended for acute pain.
• 🤔 Chronic low back pain may require a combination of exercise therapy, manual massage, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Q & A

What are the three classifications of low back pain based on duration?

Low back pain can be classified into acute, subacute, and chronic based on how long it lasts.

What percentage of patients have low back pain without a specific cause?

Approximately 90% of patients have low back pain that doesn't have a specific cause.

What are some common causes for low back pain with a specific cause?

Common specific causes for low back pain include spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, and compression fractures.

What are some non-musculoskeletal causes of low back pain that should be remembered?

Non-musculoskeletal causes of low back pain can include cancer, infection, visceral diseases like organ diseases, kidney stones, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Why is a holistic approach important when dealing with low back pain?

A holistic approach is important because it considers not only physical symptoms but also psychosocial factors like stress, anxiety, and mental health issues that can impact how our bodies feel.

Why is routine imaging within the first 6 weeks of nonspecific low back pain not recommended?

Routine imaging within the first 6 weeks of nonspecific low back pain is not recommended because it does not improve outcomes and can lead to unnecessary and expensive interventions.

What are some situations where imaging is necessary for low back pain?

Imaging is necessary when there are suspicions of severe or progressive neurological issues, such as weakness or numbness in the limbs, or if there is a possibility of fractures, sacroiliitis, or cancer.

What is the role of education in treating low back pain?

Education is important in treating low back pain as it helps patients know what to expect, clear up misinformation, and encourages physical activity and avoiding bad rest.

What are some non-drug treatment options for acute low back pain?

Non-drug treatment options for acute low back pain include physical therapy, heat therapy, massage, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation therapy.

How does cognitive behavioral therapy play a role in treating chronic low back pain?

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps in treating chronic low back pain by addressing mental aspects of pain, such as pain tolerance differences and how mental states can affect the perception of pain.

What is the general advice on using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for low back pain?

While NSAIDs are a first choice among pharmacological treatments for low back pain, they are not the best option and should be used with caution, considering alternatives and holistic approaches.

What are some alternatives to NSAIDs for managing low back pain?

Alternatives to NSAIDs for managing low back pain include muscle relaxants, some non-benzodiazepine medications, non-inhaled cannabinoids, and considering supplements like the Sugar MD joint support supplement.

When might surgery be considered for low back pain?

Surgery might be considered for low back pain in serious cases such as cauda equina syndrome, severe spinal stenosis, or stubborn chronic pain that does not respond to other treatments.

What is the general effectiveness of epidural steroid injections for low back pain?

Epidural steroid injections may provide a short-term boost for some patients with low back pain, but their long-term effectiveness is limited.

Why is it suggested to try holistic approaches before considering trigger point injections for low back pain?

It is suggested to try holistic approaches before trigger point injections because the relief from trigger point injections is generally short-lived, and relying on NSAIDs can mask the problem without addressing the underlying issue.