Patient discussions
Initial therapy for all patients involves advice about avoidance of exacerbating factors and improper body mechanics. More specific advice, individualised to the patient's lifestyle, may be given along with education on back exercises that can be done at home.
Symptoms associated with discogenic back pain may fluctuate, but the presence of any neurological deficits should prompt a visit to the local emergency department because it is suggestive of other aetiologies. Patients should report any signs or symptoms of weakness, numbness, fevers, bowel or bladder dysfunction, or sexual dysfunction.
A multidisciplinary approach is used for patients with discogenic back pain.[164][165] This involves a physical element and also a combination of social, occupational, and psychological components. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation is more effective than simple rehabilitation programmes.[164][166]
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