Diagnosis is key to Relief of San Jose 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, particularly if it was in the spine. Back pain or leg pain may have been your first symptom. Your San Jose chiropractor at Chiropractic Solutions is aware of spinal gout, its resemblance to other conditions’ symptoms, and the latest recommended assessments to diagnose it sooner than later to direct you to the (appropriate!) care you need.
PREVALENCE OF SPINAL GOUT
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition impacting 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 differentiate from other inflammatory issues. (1) A recent narrative review stated that 94% of spinal gout patients had back or neck pain, 86% displayed neurological symptoms, 72% had a history of gout, 80% tested for high levels of serum uric acid, and 76% went through a 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, 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 analyzed studies going back as far as 1945! They found that synovial fluid monosodium urate crystal analysis and imaging were superior to 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 proper test. (4) A narrative review of published studies on spinal gout that was completed by two chiropractors agreed. 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 be the key. (2) Chiropractic Solutions 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 reduced his mobility and with no history of gout ended up with a diagnosis of spinal gout after an MRI showed a mass in his right erector spinae muscles which lead to a pathological exam confirmed spinal gout. 29% of patients with gout experience spinal gout, too, which did not help in this case of a patient without gout but is an interesting 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 negating an initial diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis. Initial treatment often includes symptom management with colchicine, steroids, urate lowering therapy, and NSAIDS. (6) If spinal gout is suspected, Chiropractic Solutions will get the right tests ordered.
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
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.
Schedule your San Jose chiropractic appointment soon. Your San Jose chiropractor will do a complete examination to determine the best course to appropriately diagnose, treat, and attain the best relief of spinal gout.
