When Is a Headache Serious?
Most people get a headache occasionally, but ongoing problems with head pain — or debilitating head pain — can benefit from medical intervention. Here’s when you should consider seeking help for your headache.
New study looks at long term back pain sufferers
Back pain is among the most frequently reported health problems in the world. New research published in Arthritis Care & Research, an official journal of the American College of Rheumatology and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, examines patterns in back pain over time and identifies the patient characteristics and the extent of healthcare and medication use (including opioids) associated with different patterns.
The study included a representative sample of the Canadian population that was followed from 1994 to 2011. A total of 12,782 participants were interviewed every two years and provided data on factors including comorbidities, pain, disability, opioid and other medication use, and healthcare visits.
During the 16 years of follow-up, almost half (45.6 percent) of participants reported back pain at least once. There were four trajectories of pain among these participants: persistent (18 percent), developing (28.1 percent), recovery (20.5 percent), and occasional (33.4 percent).
The persistent and developing groups tended to have more pain and disability, as well as more healthcare visits and medication use than those in the recovery and occasional trajectory groups. The recovery trajectory group increased the use of opioids and antidepressants over time.
“The good news is that one in five people with back pain recovered; however, they continued to use opioids and antidepressants, suggesting that people recovering from back pain need ongoing monitoring,” said lead author Mayilee Canizares, PhD, of the University Health Network’s Krembil Research Institute in Toronto, Canada. “The bad news was that one in five experienced persistent back pain, with an additional group — almost one in three — who developed back pain over time. These two groups were associated with greater pain limiting activity, disability, and depression, as well as increased healthcare and medication use.”
Dr. Canizares noted that the findings suggest that people with back pain are a heterogeneous group that may benefit from different approaches to management rather than a traditional one size fits all approach. “The distinct groups identified in the study may represent opportunities for more individualized treatment and preventative strategies,” she said.
Story Source: Read this article on ScienceDaily — Wiley. “The course of back pain over time.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 14 January 2019. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190114082856.htm.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Consider These Many Interventions for Arthritis
Maybe you’re struggling with joint pain that’s preventing you from enjoying life to the fullest. The good news is that there are several effective treatment options for arthritis. We briefly review them here.
6 Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
When it comes to identifying fibromyalgia, there's no single test. That means symptomology plays an essential diagnostic role. While fibromyalgia can affect people differently, here are some of the most common signs.
Pain-Relieving Benefits of Massage
There’s little question that a good massage can do wonders for making you feel better, but can it play a role in managing your pain? The answer is a resounding yes. Read on to learn more about how massage can manage your pain.
Can Acupuncture Help Chronic Pain?
You’re tired of dealing with pain, but the potential risks that come with surgery or medications seem high. Why not explore a technique that has been helping people overcome pain for millennia — acupuncture.
4 Common Types of Arthritis
New estimates place the numbers of Americans who are affected by arthritis at more than 92 million. Included in this incredibly high statistic are different types of arthritis. We outline them here.