Increased Risk of Back and Abdominal Pain in Colon Cancer Survivors

According to studies conducted by researchers from the University of Granada, colon cancer patients are more vulnerable to chronic pain.

Research has also revealed that colon cancer survivors are more vulnerable to suffer from lesions related with back and lower abdominal pain as compared to healthy individuals of the same age and gender.

The wall structure of the abdomen (surgery site for oncological treatment) in colon cancer patients presents a sequence of abnormalities. They may even develop some pre-determined abnormalities in chronic pain processing which may result in sensitization to all types of pain in the future.

Frequent Type of Cancer

Colon cancer has been ranked as the third most common cancer in the world. Modern age advances in oncological treatment technologies have increased the survival rates for patients. Survival rates have risen to a significantly in recent years  (44% and 65%).

Oncological treatment can be very difficult for patients physically and psychologically. Although termed as 'cancer survivors', they had paid a huge price for their survival. Colon cancer survivors have shown a considerable deterioration of their functional capacity as compared to healthy individuals of a similar age and gender. Cancer survivors can have a reduced overall capacity to carry out normal day to day tasks and activities.

Strength Loss

Patients are advised to get ample physical rest during oncologic treatments.  The recovery period can extend for several months. This leads to a gradual decline in overall daily function. Muscle weakness such as back muscle strength and up to 60 percent deterioration of cardiorespiratory capacity is common among patients as compared to healthy individuals of the same gender and age.

Colon cancer patients also experience  symptoms such as fatigue. This is due to the illness. Physical abnormalities experienced by these patients have a significant impact on their quality of life. Colon cancer patients can experience up to a 40% reduction in daily activities when compared to individuals of the same age and gender (not affected by cancer).

Special physiotherapy programs and other treatments aimed at improving these physical issues can help colon cancer patients regain their quality of life.

Why Choose Spine and Neurosurgery Center

Although back or neck pain is common, these may take a bad shape if not treated on time. It is also important to know that you are in good hands. A reputed and experienced spine and neurosurgery center will make sure you get the best treatment possible.

There are several reasons to rely on a neurosurgery center. One of the major reasons is the support of a team of surgeons with experience of performing many hundreds of surgeries of spine. Since most of back and neck problems don't require surgery, the doctors and physicians will ensure all possible treatment and speciality support to ensure fast relief.

Most of these centers offer patients the support and guidance of extensively fellowship-trained spine surgery neurosurgeons. The team often combines many years of expertise, success, and evidence-based research in providing patients with excellent treatment options for back and neck pain.

The patients are given the best of information about the diagnosed condition. This information is completely unbiased and ensured 100% support by medical research. Latest and, well researched information is available about all treatment options. Patients will also get detailed information on all of the pros and cons of each of the option. A consultation session will help them know about the condition and explain the appropriate treatment. Everything from the patient's lifestyle, medical history, lifestyle, profession, and goals is taken into consideration.

Most spine and neurosurgery centers are more than happy to help inquisitive patients. These patients are offered the most appropriate for their condition or all unanswered queries. Right from general queries to questions on the advice offered by our specialists, and second opinions spine center professionals are dedicated to serve the patients with the best.

The advanced technologies help patients get faster relief from a range of spine conditions. Surgeons ensure less scarring and discomfort at the facility. Patients reduce risk of infection and shorter recovery period. For those concerned about having to put their personal, family, professional, and social life on hold due to spinal surgery, the professionals at spine and neurosurgery center may suggest a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach. This serves as a viable option for most patients.

The minimally invasive spine surgery team is dedicated to providing patients with relief and function restoration with minimal disruption to quality of life. Advanced techniques are used to reduce overall risk of complications and cut down on recovery time. The specialists will manage a spinal condition in an effective way.

The collaborative team of physicians is usually comprised of experienced world-renowned specialists such as

Neurosurgeons
Therapists
Neurologists
Rehabilitation physicians
Pain specialists
Physical medicine experts

The team works together to individualized plan of treatment for a patient. For treating and diagnosing spine conditions, specialists in the field of orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, medical spine, and pain management work together as a team.

A Brief on Physical Therapy Treatments

Physical Therapy – What is it?

Physical therapy can be defined as a treatment method required during times when it becomes really hard to move around and conduct day to day tasks. It relieves pain and restores physical function and overall fitness level.

Apart from facilitating daily tasks and activities, physical therapy helps with recovery after certain types of surgeries. The therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

Types of Physical Therapy

Manual Therapy

This is a hands-on approach prescribed for any injury. It refers to employment of some common tactics such as massage, stretching, massage, and strengthening exercises with an aim to re-educate the body into appropriate movement and mechanics. According to most physical therapists, manual therapy is a primary technique for removing movement restrictions. It also helps patients move better. It is basically the major part of any treatment plan, such as the electric stimulation and ice.

Heat

Application of heat has revealed to help with a decrease in pain and boost mobility after certain type of injuries such as those involving soft tissue (tendons, muscles, and ligaments). Muscular spasms and tightness are best treated with heat therapies. The therapist focusses on making the tissue more pliable and help stretch the affected area.

Ice

Ice packs are usually prescribed for injuries involving swelling and inflammation. It helps in constricting blood vessels post application. It works as an effective way to decrease and prevent inflammation instantly after an injury. Usually, a cold therapy works towards enhancing mobility of joints and ensuring maximum benefits out of a manual therapy. Cold packs are usually recommended to be applied on inflamed areas to decrease swelling in injuries of soft tissue.

Ultrasound

The physical therapy treatment is best recommended for injuries related to connective tissue. The therapist uses sound waves which are undetectable to the human ear. These are allowed to generate heat deep inside the body. This kind of therapy facilitates loosening up of tissues in while preparing patients for an exercise or manual therapy. A wand is used by therapists for application of sound waves safely and directly to the skin. This process expedites healing of the ligament.

Traction

The therapy works best on disc herniation. The human spine is always working. It bears body weight every minute making any kind of recovery from back pain a difficult process. Traction separates the vertebrae to facilitate room for the nerves and low compression on disc cartilage. It decreases pain and enhances quality of life for those with herniated lumbar disc.

Low-Level Laser

Laser therapy makes use of specific light wavelengths to stimulate healing. The laser goes under the skin helps reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle fatigue. The best therapy is prescribed for injuries of muscle or connective tissue. It helps the therapist to move the affected joint causing less discomfort.

Functional Electrical Stimulation

This kind of stimulation is recommended for restoring muscular strength. Also referred to as ESTIM, electrical stimulation is prescribed as a common treatment option to restore muscular function after a traumatic injury. The physical therapists apply a minor yet very steady electrical stimulus to facilitate contractions of muscles that usually remain dormant. This results in restoration of proper movement and function at a faster pace. Although the therapy may not restore movement in all cases, studies have revealed that it can actually speed up recovery after total knee replacement surgery within a period of some weeks. It is also deemed as an effective treatment option for hemiplegic patients (one side of the body paralysed). These patients can be treated by restoring function.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the most under-rated, yet highly effective of all physical therapies if followed regularly and in the right manner. The idea is to make it a part of your day to day life. It is helpful in treating and preventing pain. However, when it comes to physical therapy, these are more than just routine exercises that we do. The specialists hand-pick these to help patients move better. The prescribed exercises work towards strengthening targeted muscles and addressing all kinds of muscular imbalances in the body. Most physical therapists instruct their patients on making exercise a regular activity as injuries may recur from a sedentary and repetitive lifestyle. Consistency will keep you away from all kinds of nagging aches and pains. Exercises are recommended by physical therapists for maintaining good health after treatment.

All that You Need to Know about Pain Management

Pain is usually seen as a debilitating condition. However, there are different ways to keep it under control. A number of different pain management options are available these days.

Regardless of the source and cause of pain (arthritis, cancer treatments, fibro myalgia,  or an old injury), it is crucial to look for a way to get your pain under control.

Understanding Pain Management

Pain management may be simple or complex. This precisely depends on the exact cause of the pain. One of the major examples of less complex pain is nerve root irritation that stems from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg.

A specialist should be hired for the following:

• Interventional procedures

• Medication management

• Physical therapy

• Chiropractic therapy

• Psychological counseling and support

• Acupuncture

• Alternative therapies

• Referral to other medical specialists    

The Role of a Pain Management Specialist

A pain management specialist is basically a physician who has undergone special training in evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for all types of pain. Painis a wide spectrum of disorders. These may include:

• Acute pain

• Chronic pain

• Cancer pain

• A combination of the above

Pain may stem from a number of reasons, including injury, surgery, nerve damage, and metabolic problems such as diabetes. Sometimes, pain may be a problem all by itself.

With development in the field of pain, physicians with specialized skills and knowledge to treat these conditions. These specialists are supposed to hold in-depth knowledge of the physiology of pain. They must also be capable of evaluating patients with complex pain problems and hold deep understanding of specialized tests in order to diagnose painful conditions.

The pain management specialists are also supposed to prescribe appropriate medications as per various types of pain problems that exist. The experts are responsible for performing procedures to manage the  pain including:

• Nerve blocks

• Spinal injections

• Interventional techniques

A wide variety of treatments are available to treat pain. The pain management specialist plays a crucial role in coordinating additional care including physical therapy, rehabilitation programs, and psychological therapy with an aim to offer patients a highly comprehensive treatment plan demanding a multidisciplinary approach to the pain relief treatment.

Pain Management Specialist – What to Look for?

It is important to look for a pain management specialist who has the undergone ample training and holds ample experience to assist you with pain problems. Since several types of chronic pain demand a complicated treatment plan and specialized Interventional techniques, it is crucial that pain specialists must get more training and specializations in the field.

A Visit to Pain Management Specialist

If it is your first visit to a pain management specialist, he or she will determine and evaluate the exact problem that you suffer from. This mainly involves going through your detailed medical history, a thorough physical exam and review of tests. You will be asked questions based on your pain. The physical examination will emphasise on your specific problem. The specialist will also want to know about past and current medical history to be able to treat you in the best possible way. If you are looking for a pain management specialist so visit here www.premierbrainandspine.com/pain-management

You will be provided with a questionnaire prior to your first visit. This will be based on detailed questions associated with your pain problem. You will also be required to carry along with imaging studies like computed tomography [CAT] scans, X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] scans (if applicable).

This visit will help the specialist assess new information and discuss with you an initial assessment of pain. Here, the doctor will come to know about things that causes your pain.

Vertebral Column Tumors Surgery – The Surgical Options

Understanding Vertebral Column Tumors

Vertebral column tumors may arise from any of the spinal structures or the spinal column. For instance, they may arise in the following regions:

• Cervical (neck)
• Thoracic (mid-back)
• Lumbosacral (low back)

Tumors may stem from:

• The spinal cord itself
• Roots of spine
• Dural sac surrounding spinal cord
• Vertebrae (bones)

According to experts, the tumor in the vertebral column may originate from the spinal cord, or from elsewhere such as the breast, lung, etc.

The Symptoms

One of the major symptoms of a vertebral column tumor is neck or back pain. The pain starts at night and gets worse with physical activity. The symptoms may vary with level of involvement. For instance:

• Cervical (neck) Tumors - Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
• Thoracic (mid-back) Tumors -  Weakness or numbness in the legs or chest area
• Lumbosacral (low-back) Tumors - Weakness or numbness in the legs or chest area or legs and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis process of tumors in the vertebral column starts with the history and physical examination. It is important to understand if patients present with a past medical history of cancer. New reports (if any) of cancer must also be provided with the details on severe back pain experienced by the patient.

Doctors usually order imaging studies for diagnosis including:

• Plain x-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT or CAT) scans
• MRIs
• Pet Scans

Sometimes it is also important to undergo specialized testing. This helps with providing a clear definition of a suspected tumor. Sometimes, nuclear bone scans and positron emission tomography (PET scans are also ordered by doctor to help with the diagnosis.

In most cases it is crucial to obtain a tumor tissue specimen so as to determine the type of cancer. A needle biopsy is conducted to help identify the type of tumor.  The tissue is clearly examined and helps the physician to determine the precise tumor type. Understanding the type of tumor will help determine if surgical or non-surgical treatment options are available.

When to Consider Surgery?

Surgery for a spinal tumor is usually prescribed for the following conditions:

• Progressive motor weakness
• Neurological symptoms
• Loss of bowel control
• Loss of bladder control

Surgery may also be required for instability of the spine because of the tumor. Sometimes, doctors recommend surgery for certain tumors that are insensitive to treatment options such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Surgical Options for Vertebral Column Tumor

Surgery for vertebral column tumor may vary according to the level of removal of tumor (partial or complete). The surgeon will measure the risks of tumor removal from surgery against non-surgical options.

Doctors will prescribe a spinal stabilization surgery of the vertebral column to treat the instability caused by the tumor. If Surgery is recommended to remove a tumor, it may be performed in the front or back of the spine. The surgery is done via travelling through the neck, chest or abdomen.

The patient is required to stay in hospital after major surgery for at least several days. Doctors also recommend a period of physical therapy after surgery. The physical therapy process may also occur as an outpatient activity or at home.

Complete recovery time required after surgery can range from 6 weeks to a year depending on the level of complexity of the surgery. It takes around 3-4 months for patients to feel close to normal. The healing process can continue up to a year or more.

Long Term Effects

The doctor will monitor your progress for a specific period of time with an aim to detect any signs / symptoms of recurrence of the tumor. Periodic MRI scans or CT scans will be conducted. The chances of recurrence of tumor depends on the type of tumor. Also the chances of recurrence are higher if the tumor spreads from somewhere else in the body.

Visit here www.premierbrainandspine.com for Vertebral Column Tumors Treatment.

Herniated Disc in Back – Retirning Back to Normal Life is Easy

A herniated disk is a condition that causes one of the disks (rubbery cushions) between the individual bones (vertebrae) that forms spine.

A spinal disk can be considered as a jelly donut. The softer center of this donut is encased inside a tougher exterior. When a part of softer jelly pushes out of the case through crack formed on the exterior, a herniated disk occurs.

A herniated disk causes irritation to nearby nerves and numbness, pain, or weakness in leg and arm. Many may not experience any symptoms from a herniated disk. In most cases, people with herniated disk do not require surgery.

Risk Factors

There are several factors contributing to the risk for disc herniation:

Poor lifestyle choices such as lack of physical activity, no exercise, use of tobacco, inadequate nutrition etc. All of these contribute to poor and deterioration of disc health.
Aging process brings in biochemical changes in the body making discs to dry out gradually, affecting strength of disc and resiliency. Aging interferes with capacity of intervertebral discs to absorb shock from movements.
Poor posture and incorrect body mechanics tends to stress lumbar spine; affecting its natural ability to carry body weight.

Diagnosis

Many individuals discover a bulging disc or herniated disc after an x-ray as they did not experience any symptoms. A visit to a doctor for pain will lead to physical exam and neurological exam. The doctor will review medical history, and enquire about symptoms experienced.

An x-ray, CT or MRI scan and myelogram are some of the processes adopted for diagnosing herniated disc.

Non-surgical Treatment

Cold Therapy - Initially, the doctor may recommend cold therapy. The therapy reduces pain, muscle spasm, and swelling during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Medications – Doctors suggest anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. A muscle relaxant is also prescribed to calm spasm. Pain-killers alleviate intense pain.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – These are prescribed for mild to moderate pain.

Spinal Injection – This is used for severe leg pain or leg weakness. It is an epidural steroid injection with anti-inflammatory medication.

Physical Therapy - Doctors recommend physical therapy to help relieve the symptoms.
A majority of patients are relieved in 4 to 6 weeks without surgery.

Surgical Treatment

When non-surgical treatment does not work well or help with providing relief in symptoms, spine surgery becomes a necessary option. Doctors further evaluate the reason and treatment options for constant pain, weakness in leg, or loss of function. Lumbar herniated disc may lead to groin/genital numbness or bowel/bladder incontinence. However, this occurs only in rare cases. These symptoms should be attended on an immediate basis.

The specialist will explain you the purpose of the operation and results to be expected.  It is wise to get a second opinion from another spine surgeon. The surgery for herniated disc usually involves a discectomy to ensure complete relief from nerve pressure and leg pain. This means the surgeon will remove all or a part (s) of the intervertebral disc.

The surgeon may conduct laminotomy to access the herniated disc via removal of a portion of the bone covering the nerve. These days, most of these procedures can be conducted with minimally invasive techniques which do not need large incisions. Only tiny cuts are required using very small specialized instruments and devices such as endoscope, microscope etc.

Prevention

Taking good care of spine will help you prevent this condition. So make sure you follow these tips to prevent possibility of developing herniated disc as far as possible:

• Take care of your posture
• Avoid smoking
• Exercise regularly
• Make healthy food choices
• Follow good body mechanics
• Take care when you're lifting something

Following the above listed prevention tips is not a guarantee that you will never develop lumbar herniated disc. However, these healthy practises are important to prevent lower back pain and complications caused by a herniated disc.


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