Lower back pain is a type of pain that almost everyone can experience at least once in their life. While some people experience this pain very severely, some of us experience it at a lower intensity. One piece of information we should keep in mind is that such pains may be a sign of rheumatism, which can especially affect the spine and the joints in the hip. Although this type of pain often occurs in the hip, it can also occur in the lower back region over time, as well as in the entire spine and neck region. A typical example of low back pain caused by rheumatism is Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
What are the Characteristics of Low Back Pain Caused by Rheumatism?
Due to Rheumatism The characteristics of low back pain are the so-called mechanical pains, which are common in society, especially due to hernias. Pain caused by rheumatism usually occurs in the 20s, but can also be seen up to the age of 40. Non-rheumatic pains mostly occur after the age of 40. Pain caused by rheumatism is long lasting. In general, we interpret pain that lasts more than 3 months as being caused by rheumatism. Mechanical pain often decreases and disappears within 1 month after it begins. Rheumatism-related pain often increases at night after the patient sleeps, and patients often wake up with pain in the morning. These pains decrease as the patient starts the day and walks. However, hernia-type pain, which we interpret as mechanical, often occurs when the patient moves or starts daily activities. Mechanical pain decreases as the patient rests. This is the most important clue to distinguish between these two types of pain.
Is There a Blood Test to Differentiate Low Back Pain Caused by Rheumatism?
Due to Rheumatism When we listen to patients with low back pain, we can think of this type of pain. However, we need to prove this, that is, verify what we think. For this, we often get help from blood tests. In the majority of cases of rheumatic-related back pain, inflammation tests in the blood are increased. Additionally, in patients who require it, a genetic test known as HLA B27 can assist in diagnosis. However, we do not apply this genetic test to everyone. Pain in mechanically caused pain n tests are completely normal.
Although blood tests help us in rheumatism-related pain, we mainly make the diagnosis with clear imaging methods. Although we can diagnose long-term disease with a simple x-ray, we often need to receive Magnetic Resonance (MRI) support for diagnosis in patients whose complaints have just started or are in the early stages. Since the images are typical for the disease, we can make the diagnosis very easily. We can also use the MRI method for mechanical pain, but the findings are very different.
What are the Treatment Methods for Rheumatic Back Pain?
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs are the first choice drugs in the treatment of AS disease, which is a typical example of lower back pain caused by rheumatism. If there is no change in the patient's complaints despite the single or combined use of these drugs, biological treatments can be started, taking into account the patient's clinical condition and the severity of the disease.
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