Question
A 30-year-old female patient. After a fall while skiing last year, she noticed pain in the middle of her spine. The main symptoms are the inability to bend forward and stiffness and pain after prolonged bending. Previous treatment and outcomes include: 1. Multiple hospitals have examined her x-rays, all stating that there is no problem with the bones and diagnosing it as periostitis. 2. She has tried internal medication and skin creams, but experienced allergic reactions and could not use them long term. Oral medication was also ineffective. 3. Currently, the pain is more severe than last year, and she occasionally experiences pain when not bending her back. She wonders if this is periostitis? What is the correct treatment? If it does not improve over a long period, what are the potential adverse outcomes? Thank you.
Answer
Hello, based on the description, the patient’s condition is mainly considered to be paraspinal tendinitis. This condition typically results from damage to the tendons on the surface of the back vertebrae, often due to external force or prolonged poor posture. The patient should avoid prolonged sitting, excessive bending and stooping, and heavy physical labor. Medication treatment can include oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as celecoxib capsules and fentanyl tablets to alleviate pain and inflammation. Regular outdoor activities and physical exercise, as well as daily back muscle exercises, can also help improve symptoms. If symptoms persist and do not improve, it is recommended that the patient seek professional medical help early to avoid adverse outcomes.