Do You Suffer From Backache? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Dorsalgia.

The term 'dorsum' is the Latin word for 'back' or 'posterior surface'. The suffix 'algia' comes from the Greek word 'algos' which means pain. Dorsalgia therefore is the medical term for back pain, though some use it to mean specifically upper back pain.
Cephalgia :refers to headache.
Myalgia: means muscle pain.
Neuralgia : refers to nerve pain.

Answer: True

The information is true. For this reason, two people with a complaint of back pain may have different clinical features and have a different course of treatment. Muscle strain however, is the most common source of acute back pain.

Answer: lumbosacral region (lower back)

Most people will suffer from lower back pain at some point in life. In many instances, the cause is unknown; however, causes of lower back pain are many. Examples of causes of lower back pain include:
1. Injury to muscles and ligaments, which can be due to heavy lifting, twisting and sudden forceful or jerky movements.
2. Muscle spasms - injury to any of the structures of the spine can cause the back muscles to go into spasms.
3. Disc problems - (rupture/prolapse/herniation or slipped disc). The discs are pads of cartilage between the small bones of the spine (vertebrae). As a person advances in age, these discs become thinner (degenerative changes). The center of each disc contains a jelly-like substance which may bulge out and compress nerve roots causing pain and other symptoms. Disc herniation may also result from trauma or pressure on the discs.
4. Sciatica - in some clients, the huge sciatic nerve which leaves the spine and runs down the lower extremities, becomes compressed or injured resulting in back pain which radiates to the buttocks, posterior thigh and legs. This is known as sciatica.
5. Osteoarthritis - this results in disc degeneration and chronic back pain.
6. Bone diseases such as osteoporosis or cancerous tumors of the bone.
7. Other conditions - sometimes the primary source of the back pain can be infection or diseases of other organs, for example the kidneys. Pelvic or bladder infections, ovarian tumors or pregnancy are also sources of lower back pain.

Answer: About 50% of people who suffer from back pain will require surgery.

Most cases of back pain are treated conservatively ; only about 5% of people with back ailments are treated surgically. Surgery is not generally done unless the benefits of doing an operation outweigh the benefits of not doing it, as back surgery can be associated with its own sets of complications which include chronic back pain.
Examples of people who require surgery include those with compression of nerves, progressive scoliosis or kyphosis (hump back), spinal stenosis, fractures and certain disc problems.
It's a good idea to get a second opinion from a spine specialist before agreeing to surgical treatment.

Answer: Children

Several factors can be responsible for back pain during pregnancy:

1.Release of certain hormones causes the pelvic ligaments and joints to relax in preparation for birth of the child. The relative instability of the joints contributes to the characteristic 'waddling gait' of pregnancy and strain on back muscles.
2.Weight gain during pregnancy increases strain on back muscles and joints. 3.There is shifting of the center of gravity as the uterus grows hence increased pressure on the spine.

Obesity causes more strain on the spine and back muscles whereas aging is associated with degenerative changes of the joints in the spine and arthritis.

Answer: When the pain lasts for more than 3 months.

Back pain may be classified as acute, sub acute or chronic. Acute back pain may last for up to 4 weeks. Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts for more than 3 months. Sub acute back pain last for about 4 to 12 weeks.

Answer: Wearing comfortable, high-heeled shoes

High-heeled shoes tend to cause the pelvis to tilt forward. This puts extra strain on the muscles and ligaments on the lower back, causing lower back pain. Correct posture when standing or sitting helps to maintain the natural curves of the spine. Slouching causes excessive curving of the lower back and forward tilting of the pelvis.

When driving, position the seat so that the the hips are slightly lower that the knees and the pedals can be reached comfortably without stretching the legs. Ensure the lower back is supported.

It's easier to maintain good posture if the back and abdominal muscles have good tone, hence the need for daily back and abdominal exercises. Strive to maintain ideal weight for your height. Excessive weight puts more strain on the back.

Answer: Bending at the waist to pick up a heavy object.

Bending at the waist to lift a heavy object puts strain on the lower back muscles and injury can result. Good body mechanics is essential for the prevention of back injury. Before lifting a heavy object, determine if it is too heavy to be moved by one person and get help if needed. Use mechanical aids to pull, push or lift the object when available. Know where the object is to be placed before lifting it. Face the direction where the object is to be carried to avoid twisting. Stand close to the object with feet apart to obtain a wide base of support. Bend the knees but keep the back as straight as possible.

In this way, the larger muscles of the thigh will bear the weight instead of the back muscles. Tighten the abdominal muscles before lifting the object. Keep the object close to the body while carrying it.

Answer: continuous bed rest on a nice soft mattress.

Here are some tips for treatment of back pain.
1. Rest for a day or two during the acute phase. Prolonged bed rest causes weakening of the muscles which can cause more back pain. When resting, be sure to use a firm mattress or place a backboard under the mattress to avoid sagging of the spine. Lie on your side with knees bent. If you're more comfortable on your back, bend the knees to avoid strain on the back.
2. Exercise when pain allows. Back ache tends to improve when you don't remain inactive for too long. Remember prolonged standing or sitting puts more strain on the back. Do not sit, drive or stand for more than 30 minutes at a time. If you have a sedentary job, take short walks on a flat surface. Physical therapy can be very helpful.
3.Apply principles of good body mechanics. Avoid bending, and lifting more than 20 pounds. Avoid twisting and reaching overhead.
4.Use your pain medicines as prescribed. If you're using narcotics, remember that they can cause constipation. A mild stool softener may be needed. NSAIDS can predispose to peptic ulcers. Don't use these on an empty stomach.
5.Lose weight and avoid smoking.
6. Ice packs can be used for the first 2 days. After this, heat can be used to reduce back spasms.
7. Gentle massages may be useful.
8. Seek medical help immediately if pain radiates to the legs, you have sudden change in bowel or bladder control, experience abdominal pain or develop nausea and vomiting.

Answer: No

A work related injury by definition, is an injury sustained while on the job as a direct result of performing the duties assigned to your position. While assisting the nurse was a noble thing to do, this was not an emergency and lifting patients is not within Mr Big's job description.

The injury is therefore not considered 'work related'. Should this injury be reported to the supervisor for investigation and compensation sought? Most definitely.