Answer :
Final answer:
Low back pain can be differentiated from metastatic (mets) disease and degenerative disease based on factors such as pattern of pain, age, associated symptoms, and imaging findings.
Explanation:
Low back pain can be differentiated from metastatic (mets) disease and degenerative disease based on several factors:
- Pattern of pain: Low back pain caused by mets disease often has a constant, severe, and unrelenting pattern. It may worsen at night and may not improve with rest or change in position. On the other hand, degenerative disease-related pain may have a more intermittent or episodic pattern. It may worsen with certain activities and improve with rest.
- Age: While mets disease can occur at any age, it is more common in older adults. Degenerative disease, on the other hand, is more common in individuals over the age of 50.
- Associated symptoms: In addition to low back pain, mets disease may cause other symptoms like unintentional weight loss, anemia, and fatigue. Degenerative disease, on the other hand, typically does not cause these additional symptoms.
- Imaging findings: Imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans can help differentiate between mets disease and degenerative disease. Mets disease may show signs of cancer spread, such as bone metastasis, while degenerative disease may show signs of wear and tear on the spine, like disc degeneration or osteoarthritis.
If you are experiencing low back pain, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
