'Oh, My Aching Back'

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'Oh, My Aching Back'

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=46614

There's nothing funny about back pain when it's your back and you're

trying to figure out how to get off the couch.

A new decision guide on MayoClinic.com ( website link ) offers

comprehensive information to help those who have chronic back pain

make treatment choices.

" There's an overwhelming amount of information available on back

pain, " says Randy Shelerud, M.D., medical editor for MayoClinic.com

and director of the Mayo Clinic Spine Center. " And many times that

information is not objective. In other words, it may be a cleverly

disguised advertisement. Consumers need a source for objective health

information and that's what MayoClinic.com provides. "

The Back Pain Guide takes about one hour to review and covers: a

description of chronic back pain; anatomy of the spine; back pain

symptoms and causes; and risks and benefits of treatment options.

It's one of 13 detailed treatment guides on MayoClinic.com.

Chronic back pain is common. Studies indicate that 15 to 20 out of

every 100 American adults have chronic back pain. Yet, it's an

ailment that in many ways is poorly understood. According to the

guide, doctors can't pinpoint the cause of chronic back pain for four

out of five patients. The path towards recovery appears to be

influenced by a complicated mix of physical, biological,

psychological and social factors.

" That's why a multifaceted approach to treatment is generally

needed, " says Dr. Shelerud. " For example, just treating muscle spasms

probably won't resolve low back pain. "

The Back Pain Guide highlights the many nuances of chronic low back

pain to help patients, working with their doctors, determine the best

treatment approach. Highlights of the guide include:

Treatment options: Compare the pros and cons of surgical options

versus noninvasive treatments including medication, physical therapy,

exercise and bracing. Complementary and alternative approaches, such

as spinal manipulation, acupuncture, massages, traction and others

are covered.

Meet the Doctor: Watch video clips of Dr. Shelerud offering insights

and answering common questions about back pain and treatment.

Transcripts of his answers are posted, too.

Personal stories: Meet two patients who made different choices to

treat debilitating back pain. One decided on spinal fusion surgery to

permanently connect vertebrae. The other opted for a multifaceted and

noninvasive approach that included medication, exercise, heat therapy

and home modifications to ease back stress.

Things to consider: Find answers to key questions that help patients

and their doctors decide on treatment approaches. The guide

emphasizes there is no single answer for back pain, which can be

managed but not cured.

" If we maximize patients function and fitness -- more realistic

treatment goals -- then we maximize their quality of life, " says Dr.

Shelerud.

MayoClinic.com is an award-winning health information site that

attracts about 5 million visitors a month and has been recognized for

its excellence and trustworthiness by a leading consumer Web site.

MayoClinic.com is owned by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and

Research.

MayoClinic.com

http://www.mayoclinic.org/news