Doctors answer e-mailed questions on back pain

Back pain was the topic of the June Deseret Morning News/Intermountain Healthcare Hotline. In addition to the phone-in segment on June 14, we invited readers to submit questions by e-mail.

The Deseret News selected a dozen of the questions, which were then tackled by Dr. Reed Fogg, director of the Intermountain Spine Institute at The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital, and Dr. Terry Sawchuk, board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation, with an emphasis in interventional physiatry. We tried to get a representative sample of the questions, making sure we touched on all the topics that came up.

The doctors were given the questions as they were submitted, but some have been edited for online presentation.

Here are the answers provided by Sawchuk and Fogg:

Question: I had most of my disc cut away at the L5 about 10 years ago. Is it possible to have an artificial disc material inserted to give me better support and comfort at the L5 region?

Answer: The success of an artificial disc is dependent upon the age of the patient. It is most successful with someone in the age range of 25-55 with one bad disc but no arthritic changes in the bones and healthy nerves. I would suspect you would do better with an intervertebral spacer and fusion. (Fogg)

Question: What medicine can I take for a sore back? I am allergic to aspirin.

Answer: Being allergic to aspirin, you may also be allergic to medications known as anti-inflammatories. I would suggest initially you try acetaminophen (Tylenol). (Sawchuk)

Question: More than 20 years ago, I fell down from high ground and had to have a cast for my back. It's not painful now, but when I went to Seattle, where it rains often, I found I could not sit in front of a computer for more than a few hours. I have no problem in Salt Lake, but wonder if I can go to Seattle, which I like a lot. Is there a cure for it?

Answer: Sometimes back pain is exacerbated related to weather patterns. It doesn't mean anything specific in terms of a diagnosis. Yes, I think you can go back to Seattle if you wish. As far as diagnosis, treatment or cure, more information is needed . (Sawchuk)

Question: I have some fused vertebrae and have considered spinal decompression. Do you ever recommend the procedure?

Answer: Spinal decompression or traction is currently a very popular form of treatment for back and leg pain.