Back Pain and it's hidden Symptoms

An article in the Daily Mail Good Health Section caught my eye.  It was about the hidden medical conditions of back pain.

In this article Louise Atkinson describes how back pain can be the symptom of so many illnesses and conditions.  Louise Atkinson describes the plight of a mother whose child had back pain and was repeatedly told it was growing pains.  This pain between her lowest rib and pelvic bone on the right-hand side of her back dogged Michelle into adulthood. 

Over four years, Michelle had dozens of scans and tests but nothing could be found.   She was reliant on Morphine for pain relief and had become house bound.

With no obvious symptoms apart from cystitis like symptoms, an increased need to urinate and occasional traces of blood in the urine and no sign of infection, a breakthrough came 18 months ago through tests on her bladder.  Michelle had been referred to a Specialist in female urology who ordered the tests.

These tests revealed that the problem was interstitial cystitis which attacks the lining of the bladder.  Michelle was told there was nothing that could be done as the lining of the bladder had been so badly scarred and that it could neither stretch nor shrink as it should.  Even a tiny amount of liquid would cause it to empty the bladder which was the reason for the frequent urination.

This case is an example that back pain can have serious underlying illnesses and conditions and should never be taken lightly.  People who have had back pain have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Kidney Stones, infected Gall Bladder, Cystitis as was demonstrated above.

So if you suffer from back pain do not be fobbed off by just any old explanation.  Ask to be informed in detail and for a referral, a blood test, an MRI scan, if you can’t get these from your doctor, find another one who will refer you.

So many illnesses could be treated in the early stages if symptoms where not ignored or at the very least, taken seriously.

To your good health!

Adele Bantle

International Style Coach,

Source:  Louise Atkinson, Daily Mail, Tuesday 12th November 2013.