Lumbo Sacral Spinal Pathology (L.S.S.P)- a Cause of Lower Abdominal Pain

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze the cause of lower abdominal pain due to Non Abdominal Etiology. Methods: In our outpatient department a four year trial was conducted in more than 3,675 patients who had lower abdominal pain. These patients had been getting treatment in various centers for the same and had undergone elaborate investigations including routine blood, urine, stools, X-ray analysis, Gynec, Urological and C-T Scan of abdomen, with even virtual colonoscopy. Results: We examined all these patients with detailed Questionnaires including queries about their occupation and work activities. Of the 3,675 patients 80% ranged from 40 to 60 years of age with a female predominance of 78%, the females being mainly homemakers of medium income group family and the rest were males who were either farmers or with other occupations. The remaining 20% of the 3675 gave history of either fall from a medium high place or from a two wheeler or an accident 3 to 4 years earlier which was ignored. These were the main points of attraction from our questionnaires which was not revealed in any other centers where they underwent the earlier treatment. Conclusion: All these patients were screened with the help of our orthopaedic surgeons and were submitted for a skeletal evaluation with M.R.I. Scan of mainly LumboSacral Parts. As per the scans all these patients had either Disc prolapse indending on the Thecal sac or severe Osteoporosis leading on to the anterior Radiclitis. They were given adequate bone traction, mild painkillers and advised change in life style. Most of the patients were free from symptoms after Eight weeks. The rest required a bone bracing for one year. Hence patients with Lower abdominal pain not responding to conventional treatment require an Orthopaedic evaluation.