Diagnosis is key to Relief of Tonawanda Spinal Gout
Gout. If you have had gout, you know how painful it is. You may also know how tough it was to identify as the issue, especially if it was in the spine. Back pain or leg pain may have been your first symptom. Your Tonawanda chiropractor at Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation understands spinal gout, its resemblance to other conditions’ symptoms, and the latest recommended tests to diagnose it early to help you get the (appropriate!) care you need.
PREVALENCE OF SPINAL GOUT
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting people around the world - 47.8 million US sufferers, 8 million UK sufferers, 108 million European sufferers - with osteoarthritis being the most common affecting joints in the knee, hands, etc. Gout is just such an inflammatory cause of pain in similar areas, making it a challenge to diagnose and discrimainate from other inflammatory issues. (1) A recent narrative review stated that 94% of spinal gout patients described back or neck pain, 86% displayed neurological symptoms, 72% had a history of gout, 80% tested for elevated levels of serum uric acid, and 76% underwent surgery. Though an infrequent cause of spine pain, gout’s inflammatory arthritis stems from monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid and other joint tissues (ankle, foot, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, and spine). (2) An early, appropriate diagnosis of spinal gout can better guide treatment and improve clinical outcomes.
DIAGNOSIS OF SPINAL GOUT
Researchers have explored a variety of ways to safely and accurately identify gout in people who have never had gout. They have analyzed studies from as far back as 1945! They found that synovial fluid monosodium urate crystal analysis and imaging were better than a clinical algorithm of signs and symptoms only for diagnosis and treatment planning. (3) Facet joint disorders, osteoarthritis, synovial cysts, etc., can confuse the diagnostic process for spinal gout. Fortunately, dual energy computed tomography (DECT) shows the crystals. However, healthcare providers must be aware of the possibility of gout to order the proper test. (4) A narrative review of published studies on spinal gout that was done by two chiropractors agreed. To improve the quality of life of spinal gout sufferers as well as the diagnosis, treatment planning and prevention of surgery, a mix of clinical symptoms, lab tests, and DECT may hold the answer. (2) Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation documents that cases of spinal gout are appearing in the medical literature.
CASES OF SPINAL GOUT and TREATMENT
One case of a 48-year-old man with sudden, severe, sharp low back pain that limited his mobility and with no history of gout ended up with a diagnosis of spinal gout after an MRI revealed a mass in his right erector spinae muscles which lead to a pathological exam showed spinal gout. 29% of patients with gout are affected by spinal gout, too, which did not help in this case of a patient without gout but is a noteworthy stat to consider in the next case. (5) A 41-year-old male who did have a 7-year history of gout came for help with severe back pain, fevers, and radiculopathy. After a biopsy, spinal gout was diagnosed invalidating an initial diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis. Primary treatment often includes symptom management with colchicine, steroids, urate lowering therapy, and NSAIDS. (6) If spinal gout is suspected, Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation will get the right tests ordered.
CONTACT Chiropractic Spine Sports And Rehabilitation
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Joseph Beissel on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for chronic back pain.
Schedule your Tonawanda chiropractic appointment today. Your Tonawanda chiropractor will do a complete examination to figure out the best course to properly diagnose, treat, and attain the best relief of spinal gout.
