sodium-ethylxanthate and Back-Pain

This paper begins with general discussion of chronic pain, in which the complex nature of this symptom is pointed out and the incorrect application of the widespread distinction between 'organic' and 'psychogenic' pain is criticized. A different classification which has proved clinically valuable is then briefly discussed. Subsequently, there is a discussion of the symptom of low back pain, a frequent disorder as demonstrated by the epidemiologic investigation reported. Then, reference is made to chronic low back pain which is often treated by surgical intervention such as operation for prolapsed intervertebral disc (PID). To conclude, a detailed report is presented of a study of 55 patients all of whom had been subjected at least once to a PID operation without success and who subsequently applied for partial percutaneous rhizotomy (PPR). Every patient was interviewed in depth and the results of these interviews are presented, classified by the main topics discussed. In addition, 6 months after PPR, a follow-up interview was conducted concerning the therapeutic results in the 31 patients who underwent this procedure.

Topics: Adult; Analgesics; Back Pain; Depression; Female; Humans; Intervertebral Disc Displacement; Interviews as Topic; Life Style; Male; Middle Aged; Sex; Weather; Work

Sexuality was investigated in 35 males and 25 females with chronic back pain. Prior to onset of pain orgasmic dysfunction was common in 60 per cent of the females with relatively lower level of sexual frustration. Markedly less sexual dysfunction characterized the males. With back pain sexual dysfunction increased in both sexes. Frequency of coitus was reduced in half the subjects and about 50 per cent also had altered coital positions. Fatigue and pain were common and sexual enjoyment was reduced for most subjects. In many females back pain may serve to legalize previously latent sexual dysfunction. However, for both sexes back pain per se causes sexual maladaptation. Therefore, sexual counselling should be part of the rehabilitation of the back pain sufferer.

Topics: Adult; Back Pain; Coitus; Counseling; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Orgasm; Sex; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological

Topics: Back Pain; Drive; Female; Humans; Male; Malingering; Muscles; Occupational Diseases; Sex; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic

Topics: Back Pain; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Mental Disorders; MMPI; Orthopedic Procedures; Orthopedics; Psychology; Sex