BACK PAIN EARLY WARNING SIGNS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Back Pain: Do Not Ignore It | Early Warning Signs & Treatment Options

Among the most widespread complaints in modern society, back pain can affect any individual regardless of his or her age or activity level. No matter whether you work for prolonged periods sitting at your office desk, you constantly have to carry some heavy loads or have a physically hard occupation, back pain may negatively impact your daily life.

Fortunately, the majority of cases of back pain are curable with proper diagnosis and changes in lifestyle. At the same time, persistent or intensive pain cannot be ignored since it may mean the presence of some problem connected with your spine requiring professional medical assistance.

At Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal, our team of spine specialists is ready to conduct a proper diagnosis and use innovative techniques and methods to cure your pain and let you have an active, pain-free life again.

What Is Back Pain?

Back pain is pain occurring anywhere in the spine from the neck to the lumbar region. Such discomfort may happen after some injuries or occur slowly due to incorrect posture, strain of the muscles, the ageing process, etc.

There are patients experiencing occasional slight pain and those struggling with severe pain, making it impossible for them to walk, sit, sleep or even do daily things without experiencing discomfort.

Back pain can have various symptoms, including the following:

• Dull or constant ache
• Sharp or stinging pain
• Stiffness of the muscles
• Burning in the lower back area
• Radiated pain in the hips, butt or legs
• Numbness and tingling in one or both of the legs
• Difficulties when trying to stand, bend or walk normally

In case such symptoms bother you for more than two weeks or interfere with your daily activities, you need to see a spine specialist as soon as possible.

Causes of Back Pain

Such problems may appear due to various reasons, such as:

• Strain of Muscles and Ligaments: This situation happens as a result of prolonged and repeated lifting of heavy objects, wrong posture, or some sharp or unaccustomed movements.
• Slipped or Herniated Disc: Discs located between vertebral bones have the function to serve as shock absorbers. As a result of slipping or bulging, a disc puts pressure on the neighbouring nerves and causes pain, numbness or weakness, which may spread to the legs.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects the spinal joints making them to become inflamed and painful. Besides, in some cases, it may lead to narrowing of the spinal canal, which is known as spinal stenosis.
• Osteoporosis: Weak and brittle bones increase the risk of fractures of the vertebrae, mainly in elderly people.
• Incorrect Posture and Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary way of life, long sitting, constant use of a mobile phone and absence of physical activity make excessive load on the spine and the muscles attached to it.

Who Has a Higher Risk of Having Back Pain?

Back pain may occur in anyone; however, the risk is increased in the case of:

• Being over 30 years old
• Long periods of sitting
• Regular carrying of heavy loads
• Being overweight or obese
• Weak core muscles
• Smoking
• Having arthritis or osteoporosis
• Lack of physical activity

A healthy lifestyle can considerably decrease the risk of having back pain in the future.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

Notwithstanding the fact that many cases of back pain get better by resting and taking medication, some signs require immediate medical evaluation.

You should go to the doctor in the following situations:

• Back pain that lasts longer than two to three weeks;
• Severe pain that does not disappear with rest;
• Pain spreading to one or both legs;
• Tingling, numbness or weakness in legs;
• Difficulty walking or standing up;
• Recurrent episodes of back pain;
• Unexpected weight loss with back pain.

In the case of such a combination of symptoms, you need to visit a doctor immediately since ignoring them can cause serious damage.

Besides, you should seek emergency medical care in case of:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control;
• High fever;
• Prolonged pain after falling down or an accident;
• Sudden weakness in both legs.

Neglecting these signs may result in permanent nerve damage or the deterioration of your spine problem.

How Is Back Pain Diagnosed?

First of all, it is necessary to determine the exact cause of back pain for proper treatment.

At Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal, our specialists conduct a detailed clinical evaluation, and if needed, they use various advanced diagnostic tests, such as:

• Digital X-ray scan;
• MRI scan;
• CT scan;
• Bone density test;
• Blood investigations.

Such examinations help to define the exact cause of your problem and develop the optimal treatment plan.

Treatment Methods for Back Pain

Treatment of back pain depends on its causes, severity and duration. Fortunately, the vast majority of people are able to recover without resorting to surgery.

• Medications: Pain-killers and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain and inflammation in the initial stage of the disease.
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: An individualised program of physiotherapy strengthens your back muscles, increases flexibility, corrects your posture and helps you to prevent similar episodes in the future.
• Changes in Lifestyle: Simple changes in your daily life, like correct posture, physical activity, healthy diet and ergonomics of your workplace can do a lot to improve your state.
• Pain Management: In case of persistent pain, injections and pain management procedures guided by imaging help to get rid of your discomfort.
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: If other methods prove ineffective or there is severe compression of the nerve, it may be necessary to use minimally invasive surgery. Unlike classical surgical intervention, this technique involves smaller incisions, less pain, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay and fast recovery.

Can Back Pain Be Prevented?

The majority of cases of back pain can be prevented by a proper lifestyle.

You may follow these tips to keep your spine healthy:

• Exercise regularly to increase the strength of your back and core muscles;
• Maintain a healthy body weight;
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time;
• Correct posture while sitting and standing;
• Lift heavy objects correctly, bending your knees and not your back;
• Stretch before and after physical exercises;
• Stop smoking to improve your spinal health;
• Sleep on a properly comfortable mattress.

Such small changes in your daily life will prevent big spinal problems in the future.

Why Choose Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal?

When it comes to spinal health, the choice of the right healthcare facility is very important.

Rated as one of the best hospitals in Bhopal, Apollo Sage Hospitals is known for its comprehensive orthopaedic and spine care due to advanced technology and qualified specialists.

Our strengths include:

• Experienced orthopaedic and spine specialists;
• Advanced diagnostic imaging facilities;
• Modern operation theatres;
• Minimally invasive spine surgery;
• Comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation services;
• Individualised treatment plans;
• Multidisciplinary care under one roof.

Our team pays attention not only to relieving pain but also to the restoration of your mobility and the improvement of the quality of your life.

Do Not Let Back Pain Limit You

Back pain is very common, but experiencing constant pain shouldn’t be assumed to be normal. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent any complications and facilitate your recovery.

If your back pain lasts for more than a few weeks, interferes with your daily activities or is accompanied by some warning signs like numbness, weakness or radiating pain, do not postpone visiting the doctor.

At Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal, our spine specialists are able to diagnose and treat all kinds of back pain by using advanced technologies.

Book your consultation now to start your treatment.