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Diagnosis is key to Relief of New Roads Spinal Gout

Gout. If you have had gout, you know how painful it is. You may also know how difficult it was to diagnose, particularly if it was in the spine. Back pain or leg pain may have been your first symptom. Your New Roads chiropractor at New Roads Chiropractic Center is aware of spinal gout, its resemblance to other conditions’ symptoms, and the latest advised 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 difficult to diagnose and discrimainate from other inflammatory issues. (1) A recent narrative review stated that 94% of spinal gout patients experienced back or neck pain, 86% showed 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, appropriate diagnosis of spinal gout can better direct treatment and enhance clinical outcomes.

DIAGNOSIS OF SPINAL GOUT

Researchers have explored 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 confuse the diagnostic process for spinal gout. Fortunately, dual energy computed tomography (DECT) illustrates 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 done by two chiropractors concurred. To make better 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) New Roads Chiropractic Center 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 limited his mobility and with no history of gout wound 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 are affected by spinal gout, too, which didn’t 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 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 includes symptom management with colchicine, steroids, urate decreasing therapy, and NSAIDS. (6) If spinal gout is speculated, New Roads Chiropractic Center will get the right tests ordered.

CONTACT New Roads Chiropractic Center

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 New Roads chiropractic appointment now. Your New Roads chiropractor will do a thorough examination to determine the best course to properly diagnose, treat, and attain the best relief of spinal gout. 

 
New Roads Chiropractic Center is aware that inflammatory spinal gout is a differential diagnosis to consider for patients who present with back pain and other spine related symptoms. 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."