Back Pain

Did you know that back pain is among the top reasons why employees miss work? The fast-paced life, wrong posture, excess body weight, and too little physical activity are leaving people with chronic back pain. Fortunately, simple lifestyle corrections under the guidance of a doctor, along with the right treatment, can help you overcome the pain and get back to your daily routine.

When to Consult a Doctor

Back pain is a very common condition. The pain can vary from a muscle ache to a shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation. In severe cases, it radiates down to the buttocks and legs and worsens with movement. You should see a doctor,

• If the pain is severe or persists more than a week, even after home treatment.
• The pain extends to one or both the legs, especially beyond the knee
• The pain is accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both the legs

You should see a doctor immediately if the pain:

• Is accompanied by fever
• Is giving rise to new bowel and bladder problems
• Follows a fall or a serious injury to the back

Other than unhealthy lifestyle habits, some more causes of back pain are:

Muscle or ligament strain: Overuse or improper use of a muscle, pressure on the muscle due to sudden awkward movement, and repeatedly lifting heavy weights can cause strain in your back muscles and spinal ligament. Constant strain on your back leads to painful muscle spasms and eventually results in spine disorders.

Bulging or ruptured disc: Discs are cushion-like structures that separate the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. When the soft material inside a disc bulges or ruptures, it presses on the nerve and causes pain. A bulged or ruptured disk doesn’t always cause pain. Only when it presses the nerve, the pain develops.

Arthritis: Arthritis in the spine can cause shrinking of the area around the spinal cord leading to a condition called spinal stenosis.

Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by the bones becoming porous and brittle. The condition, in turn, can lead to painful fractures in the vertebrae.

The doctor will run a thorough physical examination and run imaging tests (like x-rays, CT scans, and MRI) to diagnose the exact cause of back pain.

How to Prevent Back Pain

In cases lifestyle habits are the cause of your back pain, making appropriate corrections can help restore the strength of your back. However, these corrections should be made according to the advice of a doctor. Some pointers to help you prevent back pain:

• Stand smart: Avoid slouching. Maintain a good posture and neutral pelvic position to reduce strain on the back muscles.
• Sit smart: Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests, and a swivel base. Support the neck with a towel or pillow to maintain its normal curve.
• Lift smart: Avoid lifting heavyweights. In case you have to lift something up, put pressure on the legs and keep the back straight.
• Exercises: Physical activity like swimming, walking, and low-impact aerobic exercises help reduce weight and increase the strength and endurance of your back.

How is Back pain treated

The treatment plan of back pain is based on its cause. The plan can include:

Medication:

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: The doctor may prescribe Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) for relief from back pain.

Topical pain relievers: Available in the form of ointments and creams, they release pain-relieving substances through the skin and provide relief when applied over the affected area.

Spinal traction:
In conditions such as slipped discs, bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or facet disease, traction is applied as a form of decompression therapy to relieve pressure on the spine. It stretches the spine to reduce pressure on the compressed discs, thus straightening the back and improving its healing abilities.

Physical therapy:
A physiotherapist recommends exercises that improve the range of motions, muscle strength, and posture. Regular exercises can prevent recurring episodes of pain.

Surgery:
In case of structural disorders like spinal stenosis that hasn’t recovered with other therapies, surgery is recommended by the doctor. Surgery is the most suitable option when the pain is severe.