What are the signs that your back pain requires medical intervention? When should you opt for surgery? What are some of the healthy habits that can help maintain a pain-free back? Check out the answers for these and other FAQs on back pain.
When should you consult a doctor?
Almost all of us are bound to feel soreness, pain and stiffness in the neck and back occasionally. But it almost always disappears before a medical intervention becomes essential.
Almost all the tissues in the neck and thoracic region can cause pain. But it is wise to look out for the following symptoms – persistent pain, pain that does not subside with the intake of pain-killers, pain that escalates during night, pain that interrupts bowel movement, numbness in hand and feet etc. It is advisable to consult a spine care specialist if any of these conditions exist in isolation or combination.
Spine surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, neurology, general medicine and pain medicine are some of the specialisations that can take care of back pain and related problems. Remember that severe pain that persists even when you are resting is a sure sign that you must get medical help.
How effective are oral medicines in treating back pain?
Medicines are prescribed after assessing the medical condition and according to individual requirements. A large percentage of people who complain of back pain are found to get normal over time without taking medicines. For instance, our body has its own way of healing when problems like disc prolapse occur. But it need not necessarily heal in every patient and the duration of the healing process can also vary according to individuals. So the best option would be to consult a doctor and decide on the course of action.
Early diagnosis and medical care are critical to pain management. If the pain is not cured in its early stages, it can lead to the condition called central sensitization, where the nervous system goes into a persistent state of high reactivity, causing a constant experience of chronic pain.
Are pain killers dangerous? Is it safe to use over-the-counter pain relievers?
The most commonly used pain killers are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases of severe pain, doctors might also prescribe steroids. The important thing to note is that any anti-inflammatory drug can have a negative impact if used for prolonged periods. Heavy or long term use of pain killers can cause damage to the kidneys. Those who already have decreased kidney function should avoid taking pain medications.
Steroids are generally used as life-saving medicines. They should only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. Over-the-counter medicines are best avoided to be on the safe side.
Some pain relievers are touted as safe and devoid of side effects. Is it advisable to use them?
There are published studies regarding the side effects and benefits of most allopathy medicines available in the market. If you want to be sure about the medicines you take, such details can be accessed without much hassle. On the other hand, some medicines maybe new and sufficient research may not have been carried out to understand their side effects. Branding them as ‘side effect free’ in advertisements may just mean that it is too early to decide.
Can physiotherapy relieve back pain?
Physiotherapy and related treatments can often help in pain management. But there is no guarantee about how long the relief might last or if it can cure the pain permanently. It should also be noted that physiotherapy is not necessarily effective in all patients alike. Some patients do find relief from cervical problems with the application of traction. But in most cases of back pain, it only serves as enforced rest and not a permanent solution.
How early should we consult a doctor for back pain?
The earlier the better, if you do not want that nagging pain and burning in the back to worsen into a nightmare. Early diagnosis of the cause of the pain will prevent complications at a later stage; it will help cut the cost of the treatment compared to a late diagnosis. The patient will be saved from putting up with health complications that can develop if the symptoms are left untreated. If you experience persistent pain in the neck and back regions, or pain that radiates to the legs or arms, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Self-medication and over-the-counter drugs can worsen the symptoms.
What causes the back pain that radiates to the legs?
Sciatica is a type of back pain that originates in the spine and radiates down the back of the leg. It affects the sciatic nerve – a large nerve travelling down the back of the leg. It is usually caused when the sciatic nerve is pinched due to a herniated disc or bone spur. Nerve compression need not always be the cause for sciatica. Other causes include degenerative disc disease, muscle spasm, osteophytes etc. In about 95 percent of cases, sciatica is caused by disc prolapse or herniated disc. For some people the sciatic pain might be infrequent but irritating, but for others it might be severe and debilitating. In any case it has the potential to get worse. Seek medical help if you experience sciatic pain with weakness in the legs, numbness and/or loss of bladder control.
What are the healthy habits that will help avoid the occurrence of back pain?
The single most important cause for back pain is bad posture. Sitting or standing for long hours in the wrong posture will tire the muscles, causing back pain in the long run. The most important precautionary step to avoid back pain is to hold the body in the right posture at all times. Exercising regularly will keep your spine healthy. Walking, jogging, games, running, swimming, cycling etc. will keep back problems at bay. If your routine requires you to sit for a long time, make sure you support the lumbar region using cushions or pillows. Avoid keeping the neck bend for long periods while using mobile phones. Choose soft mattresses that support the forward and backward curves of the spine.
What are the precautionary steps to be taken while travelling?
The spinal discs, positioned between each bony vertebra, act as shock absorbers of your body. They hold the vertebra of the spine together, giving it shape and allowing it mobility. If you are travelling by road, take care to avoid bumpy rides. Avoid sitting in the same position for a long time. Take breaks as often as you can. Give light support to your back and neck with cushions or pillows. Make sure you are not carrying heavy luggage.
When does surgery become necessary to cure back pain?
Disc-related problems can cause pain that radiates to the legs. This pain can turn severe and debilitating for some people. In such cases, doctors may recommend surgery, especially for patients where the disc prolaspe causes the compression of nerves. Spinal stenosis or the narrowing the lumbar spinal canal, degenerative disc disease etc. are also conditions that might need surgical correction.
How can we ensure proper recovery after a back surgery?
Surgical procedures like micro discectomy and endoscopic discectomy allow patients to get back to normal life as soon as the procedure is over. These are among the most common surgeries performed on people suffering from back pain. Even if you have not undergone any surgical procedure, it is advisable to take some precautionary steps if you are living with a bad back. Don't do any work that requires you to bend over for a long time and lifting heavy objects should be avoided at all costs.
People tend to avoid exercising after a surgery for back pain. On the other hand, it is important to get your body moving at the earliest after a surgery. Light exercises like walking, jogging, and workouts that will strengthen the core muscles should be part of your routine for a healthy spine, even more so if you have undergone a surgery.
