Back pain and sciatica
Description
An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of back pain, including sciatica.
Alternative Names
Herniated disk; Sciatica
Highlights
Surgery
Kyphoplasty, a surgical technique used to treat spinal fractures, does not improve a person's back pain or quality of life, according to a review published in 2006 by a nonprofit health services research agency. Kyphoplasty should only be done if bed rest, medicines, and physical therapy do not relieve back pain.
Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to deliver gentle vibrations to an area of the body. Scientists in England are studying whether therapeutic ultrasound may help relieve pain and disability due to sciatica.
Acupuncture
Studies continue to show that acupuncture helps some patients with low back pain. Now, research published in the
British Medical Journal
online says the alternative treatment seems to be worth the price in the long run.
Stem Cells
Researchers in England have pioneered a new technique to grow new spinal tissue using stem cells. Stem cells are the building blocks of specific cells. Every cell in the human body starts (or "stems") from a stem cell. Researchers say a patient's stem cells may someday be used to grow new tissue that can replace damaged discs.
Back pain tied to brain changes
Chronic back pain appears to be linked to tiny structural changes in the brain. German researchers have found that persons with chronic back pain have more activity in the parts of the brain involved in pain processing and emotional responses. It is unclear if the brain changes came before the pain or if they occurred in response to the pain. The scientists presented their findings at the 2006 Radiological Society of North American annual meeting.
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Review Date: 3/19/2007
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Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital
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