Well, I am an orthopedic surgeon and I and my team work hard to relieve you from orthopedic problems, but the back pain does not spare us. You and I both have faced the problem of back pain sometime in life. It is common to have back pain.
Did you know that stress is one of the main contributing factor for back pain?
Today, as an orthopedic services provider, I wish to discuss with you the symptoms, causes, and factors for back pain. Most importantly I wish to tell you when to visit an orthopedic for back pain and how to identify the type of pain – muscular or related to the spine.
Let’s begin
Symptoms
Depending on the the reason what is causing a back pain, it can have different symptoms. However, as a hospital for back pain, we have noticed that people often complain of the following symptoms for back pain.
- A dull, aching sensation in the lower back
- Inablility to stand straight due to pain
- Decreased range of motion
- A pain that feels like stabbing and radiates down till the foot
Causes
Back pain can occur in any region such as neck, middle part or lower back. There can be different causes for pain in different regions. For example you must have observed that incorrect posture during sleeping causes neck pain.
Similarly, incorrect posture while sitting or sleeping can also cause back pain. As a orthopedic hospital for back pain, we even receive complaints of back pain from school going children. This is mainly due to weight of school bags, improper nutrition and stress.
Here are some other causes for back pain.
Strains and sprains
As a orthopedic for back pain, we’ve noticed that many a times strains and sprains act as a cause for back pain. Injury to muscles, tendons or ligaments can occur due to lifting heavy weight or lifting weight incorrectly. A sudden jerk or twist can also cause back pain.
Structural problems
Ruptured disks:
Our disks cushion vertebrae in the spine. In case a disk ruptures, it creates extreme pressure on the nerves and results in back pain.
Bulging disks:
Bulging disks can also cause more pressure on the nerves and result in back pain.
Abnormal curvature of the spine:
Some people have abnormal curves in spine. This condition is present from the birth itself. It is necessary to note that such deformities to need to be operated on urgent basis. For example in case of Scoliosis, the spine curves to the right hand side.
Deformities or Diseases that can cause back pain include:
Sciatica:
A sharp and shooting pain travels through the buttock and down the back of the leg, caused by a bulging or herniated disk pressing on a nerve is called sciatica. Obesity can lead to sciatica. Sciatica is a leading cause for back pain.
Arthritis:
Arthritis can cause pain in hips,back and joints. It is one of the leading cause of ba
Osteoporosis:
If the bones become brittle and porous then it can result in fractures. Compression fractures of spine can also result in back pain.Bones, including the vertebrae of the spine, become brittle and porous, making compression fractures more likely.
Kidney problems:
Kidney stones or any problems related to the kidney can cause back pain.
Spondylolisthesis:
When a vertebrae in the spine moves out of place, it causes spondyloysis. Spondylosis is one of the cause for back pain.
Apart from the above causes there are some rare causes for back pain. But rendering orthopedic services for more than a decade now, we know that they are extremely rare. So there is no need to discuss about it.
Risk Factors
While back pain can occur to anyone, here are some of the risk factors that make you prone to it.
Sedentary lifestyle:
It leads to built up of body fat and cause pressure on the verterbre. Follow a active lifestyle and prevent back pain.
Lack of Vitamins:
Lack of Vitamin D and Calcium makes the bones incapable of absorbing the Calcium in the body. Vitamin D helps to increase the Calcium absorption rate. It is one of the risk factors for back pain.
Smoking:
Smoking causes damage to the arteries. If the arteries in the disc are damaged, it can lead to back pain.
Posture:
Posture is of utmost importance. You should maintain a correct posture while sitting and standing. This prevents unnatural load on the vertebrae and thereby reduces the chances of back pain.
Jerky movements:
Pushing, pulling or lifting of heavy objects can sometimes cause back pain. As an orthopedic hospital for back pain, we would advice you to push things instead of pulling them. It is because when you push the things, you can use the strength of your legs instead of spine.
Incorrect Sleeping posture:
Just like standing and sitting, Sleeping also impacts back pain. You should choose a firm mattress. Also, the pillow should just support your neck. It should not be upright or form an angle. Incorrect sleeping posture can also lead to back pain.
Incorrect Driving Pose:
If you don’t have a comfortable drivers seat or if the mirrors are not properly placed and require you to twist often, then it can be a cause for back pain.
When to see a doctor?
In case of back pain that hinders with your daily activities, does not allow you to sleep or causes weight loss, you need not visit a hospital for back pain. You should rather visit your primary care provider and that doctor can analyze what is causing pain and give treatment for the same.
But if you are having a chronic pain that gets worse with time, does not allow you to sleep, hinders your daily activities or causes weight loss then you should visit an orthopedic hospital for back pain.
Diagnosis
As an orthopedic hospital for back pain, we diagnosise the problem of back pain using the following tests.
X-ray:
This the preliminary test that we do to get an idea about the problem. Through an X-ray, we come to know about the problems with the vertebrae.
CT Scan:
Through CT scan we can identify soft tissue damage like bulging discs, spinal stenosis, disc rupture etc
MRI:
It uses magnetic force to produce the images of soft tissues that are causing back pain.
Sonography:
It reveals if there are some ligament, muscle or tendon tears.
Blood test:
It identifies inflammation, infection and other problems with blood that can lead to a back pain. Treatment
Medications and Injections
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help to relieve pain. Gels, creams, ointments and sprays can also help to relieve pain.
Steriods and Opioids
Steriods and opioids can also be suggested for pain relief. However you need a prescription from a doctor for that. Such medicines are not available freely across the counter.
Surgery
Surgery is last often opted as a last option when non-surgical treatments do not work. In case of inherited orthopedic disorders or spinal decompression, generally surgeries are suggested.
Alternative medicine
Alternative therapies that may help to deal with back pain include:
- acupuncture
- massage
- chiropractic adjustments
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- relaxation techniques
How to judge whether the pain is muscular or relates to the spine?
Muscular pain worsens if you walk, sit or try to do activities. It is temporary and improves with the passage of time.
| Type of Pain | Cause of Problem | Location of Pain | How pain is felt? |
| Muscular Pain | It results due to overexercision or awkward movement | Pain in a specific areaa and may extend to buttocks and hips | Dull ache and tightness in muscles |
| Spine Related pain | Accidents, Wear and tear of vertebrae, diseases related to spine | Back pain radiates to other parts of the body like legs, his and gluetes | Constant, burning or electric type pain |
We hope you’ll gain a lot of information about back pain from this write up. Don’t ignore back pain, it can have serious consequences. If it prevails for a long time then it is better to consult a orthopedic hospital for back pain. We are always there to serve you. In case of any problems, you can visit our hospital.