Diagnosis | Burning in the back

Diagnosis

In the search for a diagnosis in the presence of burning sensation in the back, many different diseases must be taken into account. A detailed anamnesis can provide the doctor with information that can give an initial indication of the causes of the complaints. The symptoms can originate from the muscles, nerves, bones or even the internal organs.

If there is a suspicion that the skeletal system might be diseased, various examinations are carried out to determine the function of the back muscles, nerves and also the bones. The main focus is on measuring the function and the extent to which this causes the complaints. Here, various imaging methods such as computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can also be included in the diagnosis.

They are a popular tool for excluding injuries to bones and soft tissues. If the cause is more likely to be organic, in addition to the clinical examination, which includes listening to the heart and lungs, X-rays and ultrasound can also be helpful in identifying the underlying cause. If it is a stomach disorder, a gastroscopy is sometimes performed in addition to a detailed conversation about eating habits.

During this procedure, the stomach lining can be viewed from the inside under a short anaesthetic using an endoscope. Irregularities in the mucous membrane, erosions and even bloody deposits can be an indication of an inflammation of the mucous membrane. The diagnosis resulting from the clinical examination and, if necessary, imaging procedures finally determines the course of treatment and depends on the underlying cause.

Therapy

The therapy of back burning depends on the previous diagnosis. The aim is to relieve the patient of the discomfort and treat the causes. Depending on the cause, either medication or surgical treatment may be considered.

In the case of injuries to the muscles or bones as well as nerves, regular physiotherapy can also be helpful to correct possible overloading of the muscles, tension or poor posture. In the case of injuries to the bones, the extent of the injury is decisive. Bruises and uncomplicated fractures of vertebrae or ribs can heal without surgery.

Complicated fractures may have to be treated surgically, not least to avoid complications or consequential damage. In the case of an organic cause, the therapy depends on the organ’s disease. Heart attacks, heart valve disease, high blood pressure or angina pectoris (a feeling of tightness in the chest) are often treated with medication.

Some heart diseases such as a heart attack or valve dysfunction require surgery. For example, blocked vessels are given a stent or valves have to be replaced so that the heart does not become any further diseased. Stomach diseases, especially inflammation or heartburn, are also treated with various drugs.

Drugs that inhibit the production of stomach acid help to relieve symptoms such as burning and stomach pain. In the case of a Helicobacter pylori infection, therapy with antibiotics over several days must be initiated so that the pathogen is completely removed from the stomach. The latter reduces the secretion of gastric acid. A good diagnosis is therefore very important for the correct therapy and should be carried out thoroughly.