Thought It Was Back Pain? How to Distinguish Abdominal Aortic Occlusion from Spinal Disease

Hello,

This is Geomjin Gaja.

The weather has turned warm again, and it is even getting hot during the day.

Whether you are a student or an office worker, you have likely experienced back pain at least once.

However, sometimes it is more than just simple back pain; it can be a sign of a different problem altogether. We are here to discuss this today!

The Shadow of Death That Approaches Silently

The aorta is the thickest blood vessel in our body.

It acts like a highway, delivering blood from the heart to the entire body.

However, diseases where this vessel becomes blocked or bulges often have almost no early symptoms, which is why they are called the ‘silent killer’.

Let’s take a closer look at the dangers and treatments for abdominal aortic diseases.

Thought It Was a Spinal Condition... Abdominal Aortic Occlusion Warning

Many patients mistake leg numbness or pain for spinal or orthopedic issues.

However, this could be a signal caused by a blocked blood vessel.

Characteristics of Vascular Disease:

The walking distance and the painful area are consistent. Pain starts when you begin walking and disappears quickly when you rest.

Characteristics of Spinal Disease:

Pain changes depending on posture. Symptoms are variable—you might feel fine one day and experience sudden pain the next.

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If blood flow is not properly delivered, muscle and organ functions decline. Therefore, if unexplained leg pain persists, a vascular ultrasound or CT scan is essential.

Treatment for Abdominal Aortic Occlusion: Artificial Vascular Graft Replacement

If the blood vessel is completely blocked by a thrombus (blood clot), major surgery is required to cut out the blocked section and replace it with an artificial graft.

During surgery, blood flow to the kidneys must be temporarily blocked, so the medical team’s quick and accurate judgment determines life or death.

After surgery, blood flow—which may have been as low as 40%—recovers to normal levels, leading to the dramatic effect of leg pain disappearing.

A Time Bomb in the Abdomen: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm, where the vessel wall weakens and bulges like a balloon, is even more dangerous.

The normal diameter is around 2cm, but if it exceeds 6cm, the possibility of rupture increases sharply. If it exceeds 8cm, the probability of rupture within a year approaches 50%.

Risk Factors:

Alcohol and tobacco are fatal. If you have enjoyed smoking and drinking for a long time, you should check if you feel a hard lump or a pulsating sensation when touching your abdomen.

The Golden Time:

If discovered before it ruptures, the survival rate is over 90%. However, once it ruptures, it is a terrifying disease where the patient may die before reaching the hospital or the survival probability drops to less than 10%.

Incision-free Treatment: Stent Graft Procedure

In the past, major surgery involving an abdominal incision was the only method. Recently, endovascular treatment—inserting a stent through a small hole in the thigh—has become popular.

Recovery is fast and the burden is low even for elderly patients. Currently, about 80% of aortic aneurysm treatments in Korea are performed using this method.

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Regular Checkups are the Best Prevention

More than 90% of patients with abdominal aortic disease have no symptoms.

Most cases are discovered by chance during other examinations.

For men in their 50s or older, patients with high blood pressure, and smokers, checking vascular health in advance through a health checkup that includes an abdominal ultrasound is the most certain way to protect yourself and your family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I distinguish between back pain caused by a spinal disorder and back pain caused by a vascular disease?

You can distinguish them by the pattern of pain. Vascular disease causes pain when you start walking, which quickly disappears when you rest, whereas spinal disorders are characterized by pain that changes with posture and variable symptoms.

How is abdominal aortic occlusion treated?

If the blood vessel is completely blocked by a thrombus, artificial blood vessel replacement surgery is performed. This surgery involves cutting out the blocked area and replacing it with an artificial blood vessel, after which blood flow returns to normal and leg pain disappears.

What is the risk of rupture for an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

If the diameter is 6 cm or more, the possibility of rupture increases sharply. Especially if it exceeds 8 cm, the probability of rupture within one year approaches 50%, and once it ruptures, it is a very dangerous disease with a survival rate of less than 10%.

Does abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery always require opening the abdomen?

No, not necessarily. Recently, endovascular treatment, which involves inserting a stent through a small hole in the thigh without an incision, has become widespread. Recovery is fast, and it is less burdensome for elderly patients, so about 80% of treatments in Korea are performed this way.

What tests are needed to prevent abdominal aortic disease?

An abdominal ultrasound is necessary. More than 90% of abdominal aortic diseases are asymptomatic, so men over 50, patients with high blood pressure, or smokers should regularly undergo a health check-up that includes an abdominal ultrasound.