People live in pain which has a major impact on the quality of life.
Low Back Pain happens to be one of the most common complaints patients visit Doctors across the globe. Pain can range from mild to severe; sometimes making it difficult or impossible to walk, sleep, work or do everyday activities.
It can come suddenly or appear gradually. Sometimes it is precipitated by doing simple activities such as bending to pick something up. Other times, you may not know what caused the pain. Pain is often worse in certain positions like bending over and gets better when you lie down.
Risk Factors?
– >30 y/o are more prone back pain
Back is made of Spinal Discs which act as cushion between the Vertebrae (bones in the spine)
With age, discs go through degenerative process and offer less protection
– Overweight/ Obesity or carrying excess weight puts pressure on spine and discs
– Lack of exercise leads to weak, unused muscles in the back and abdomen which can’t support the spine.
– Unhealthy lifestyle like smoking, excessive alcohol intake or sedentary lifestyle all contribute
– Occupational Hazard with activities that require heavy lifting or bending can increase the risk of a back injury.
– Family history certain diseases such as Osteoarthritis, Cancer, etc
– Structural deformity in the spine such as Scoliosis
– Depression and anxiety as stress can cause muscle tension
Common Causes linked to back pain?
– Injury to muscles, tendons or ligaments by lifting too heavy item or lifting incorrectly
PICTURE OF CORRECT POSTURE MUST
– Some people strain their back by sneezing, coughing, twisting or bending over.
– Discs can bulge from their position in the spine and press on a nerve. They can also tear causing Herniated disc (Prolapsed)
– Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to cause lower back pain.
– Osteoporosis can cause painful breaks if the bones become porous and brittle.
DIY
– At home rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medications
– Gradually resume activities depending on the range of movement your body allows you to do
When to see a doctor?
– Doesn’t improve with rest
– Lasts longer than few weeks
– Radiate down one or both legs
– Shooting, burning or stabbing sensation
– Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
– Weight loss
When to see a Doctor immediately?
– Accidental fall, injury
– Causes new bowel or bladder problems
– Accompanied by fever
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS
– X- Ray Spine
– CT Scan
– MRI
– Electromyography
MANAGEMENT
Medications – Prescription drugs to relieve pain
Physiotherapy (PT) – PT strengthens muscles and improves flexibility
Steroid Injections – relieve pain and reduce inflammation
Surgery – Some injuries and conditions need surgical repair. With medical advancement there are minimally invasive options unlike back in the day
(The author is the chairperson of Orange City Hospital, Khamla Square, Nagpur)
