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Spina Bifida Occulta

Spina Bifida Occulta is a developmental spinal abnormality which is typically blamed for a host of back pain conditions. Statistics show that most cases of Occulta are not symptomatic and will not cause any problematic concerns for affected individuals. Occulta is a very common birth defect and often exists in the spine without the person even knowing of the condition.

What is Spina Bifida Occulta?

Occulta is the mildest form of Spina Bifida. The condition is characterized by one or more vertebrae which have not formed correctly. The typical profile demonstrates small openings in the outer surface of one or more spinal bones. These openings vary in size, but are not large enough to allow the spinal cord to protrude through the protective barrier provided by the spine. Occulta has not been proven to contribute to any form of back pain, but is typically implicated as a scapegoat when back pain exists coincidently with the condition.

What Causes Spina Bifida Occulta?

This developmental abnormality occurs during the very first month of fetal growth. The condition is mostly idiopathic in nature, but certain contributing factors have been positively identified. Some of the more common causative factors include:

* More likely in female children
* Genetic contributing factors
* Poor general health during pregnancy
* Obese or Diabetic mother
* Mother demonstrates lack of folic acid in diet.
* Pharmaceutical use during pregnancy. (especially anti-seizure drugs)

Although these circumstances can increase the chance of spinal bifida in a fetus, most cases ore caused by unknown factors.

Bifida Occulta Prevention and Treatment

Occulta is virtually never symptomatic and should not require any special back pain treatment. Serious versions of the condition should be monitored by a qualified physician, although actual intervention is rarely necessary. Preventing the condition is usually quite effective and consists mostly of eliminating risky pharmaceutical products and increasing folic acid intake. Folic acid is found naturally in whole grains, beans, leafy vegetables and fruits. It can also be consumed as a nutritional supplement. The condition can be discovered very early in fetal development through blood tests and high resolution ultrasound testing.

Spina Bifida Occulta Advice

Although most cases of Occulta are completely harmless, there are some which might be problematic. The higher the level of affected vertebrae and the larger the opening in the outer surface of the spinal bones, the greater the chance of experiencing a symptomatic condition. Tethered Spinal Cord Syndrome is sometimes experienced by some patients in addition to Occulta and might be to blame for neurological impairment. This additional condition may or may not be related to the Occulta deformity.

The vast majority of patients with Occulta should not expect any symptoms from this mostly benign spinal condition. Unless you are in the small percentage of symptomatic patients, do not allow any doctor to frighten you with a diagnosis of Occulta. The nocebo effect of poor bedside manner will certainly create symptoms in some patients. In these cases, the pain is obviously psychogenic and should be treated with a combination of education and knowledge therapy.

Spina Bifida Occulta to Back Pain Home 8/27/08 Revised 8/29/08