Diagnosis is key to Relief of Fort Wayne Spinal Gout
Gout. If you’ve had gout, you know how unpleasant it is. You may also know how tough it was to diagnose, particularly if it was in the spine. Back pain or leg pain may have been your first symptom. Your Fort Wayne chiropractor at Aaron Chiropractic Clinic understands spinal gout, its similarities with other conditions’ symptoms, and the latest recommended assessments to diagnose it sooner than later to direct you to 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 tough to diagnose and differentiate from other inflammatory issues. (1) A new narrative review stated that 94% of spinal gout patients described back or neck pain, 86% displayed neurological symptoms, 72% noted 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 results 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 direct treatment and enhance clinical outcomes.
DIAGNOSIS OF SPINAL GOUT
Researchers have investigated a variety of ways to safely and accurately identify gout in people who have never experienced gout. They have analyzed studies from as far back 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 complicate the diagnostic process for spinal gout. Fortunately, dual energy computed tomography (DECT) shows the crystals. However, healthcare providers must be aware that gout is a possible cause to request the proper test. (4) A narrative review of published studies on spinal gout that was undertaken by two chiropractors concurred. 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 key. (2) Aaron Chiropractic Clinic notes 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 wound 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 showed 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 invalidating an initial diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis. Primary treatment often includes symptom management with colchicine, steroids, urate reducing therapy, and NSAIDS. (6) If spinal gout is suspected, Aaron Chiropractic Clinic will get the right tests ordered.
CONTACT Aaron Chiropractic Clinic
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 Fort Wayne chiropractic appointment now. Your Fort Wayne chiropractor will do a complete examination to figure out the best course to appropriately diagnose, treat, and attain the best relief of spinal gout.
