Diagnosis is key to Relief of Ashburn and Herndon Spinal Gout
Gout. If you have had gout, you know how uncomfortable 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 might have been your first symptom. Your Ashburn and Herndon chiropractor at Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn is aware of spinal gout, its similarities with other conditions’ symptoms, and the latest advised tests to diagnose it early to help you get the (proper!) 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% had elevated levels of serum uric acid, and 76% underwent surgery. Though an infrequent cause of spine pain, gout’s inflammatory arthritis results from monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid and other joint tissues (ankle, foot, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, hips, and spine). (2) An early, suitable diagnosis of spinal gout can better guide treatment and improve clinical outcomes.
DIAGNOSIS OF SPINAL GOUT
Researchers have investigated a variety of ways to safely and accurately diagnose gout in people who have never had gout. They have reviewed 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. Luckily, dual energy computed tomography (DECT) shows the crystals. However, healthcare providers must be aware of the possibility of gout to request the right test. (4) A narrative review of published studies on spinal gout that was undertaken by two chiropractors concurred. To enhanced the quality of life of spinal gout sufferers as well as the diagnosis, treatment planning and prevention of surgery, a combination of clinical symptoms, lab tests, and DECT may hold the answer. (2) Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn notes that cases of spinal gout are emerging 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 revealed spinal gout. 29% of patients with gout have 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 presented with severe back pain, fevers, and radiculopathy. After a biopsy, spinal gout was diagnosed negating an initial diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis. Primary treatment often involves symptom management with colchicine, steroids, urate reducing therapy, and NSAIDS. (6) If spinal gout is speculated, Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn will get the right tests ordered.
CONTACT Poulin Chiropractic of Herndon and Ashburn
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. Joseph Beissel on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the relief with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management for chronic back pain.
Make your Ashburn and Herndon chiropractic appointment now. Your Ashburn and Herndon chiropractor will do a complete examination to determine the best course to properly diagnose, treat, and attain the best relief of spinal gout.
