Today, back pain is commonplace and known to be caused from a range of factors within our modern day society. Those people who sit too long during their workday do not maintain proper posture while sitting, nor do they exercise regularly. As a result, the weight of one's torso on the lower back or spine that has been stressed due to work or stress or just plain fatigue can cause the spine to deteriorate over time. For some people, the effects of back pain are short-lived and moderate; while for others, severity may prevent them from performing day-to-day activities.
The purpose of this blog is to highlight those most common reasons for having back pain, and to provide information about the different types of treatment available for back pain, and how to find an experienced orthopedic surgeon if you need assistance with back pain or a qualified spinal specialist in the Gorakhpur area.
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain describes discomfort along all sections of the back, from the neck down to the lower back. It may either develop suddenly or may occur over a period of time (progressive), and some people have discomfort during the night, while some may develop back pain after long periods of sitting at work or engaging in activities that put strain on the body.
Back Pain may be
- Acute (Less than 6 months)
- Chronic (Longer than 6 months)
- Mild or Severe
- Local or Radiating (To the legs/shoulders)
Understanding what caused the problem will help to determine how to treat it best.
Common Back Pain Causes
There are a number of factors that may lead to back pain, including but not limited to:
1. Back Pain Due to Sitting for Long Hours
Sitting for long periods of time, particularly for those in an office and/or school settings, is one of the leading causes of back pain. Additionally, having poor posture and slouching while sitting can put added pressure and strain on your spinal column and muscle groups in your back.
As a result, sitting for long periods can lead to:
- Muscle Tightness
- Low Back Pain
- Reduced Range of Motion
2. Muscle Strain or Ligament Injury
Injuries in your back can come from various actions, including but not limited to: sudden movements, lifting and carrying heavy objects in ways that your body was not intended to carry weight, and bending over incorrectly by bending at the waist instead of your legs. All of these types of injuries can cause swelling in addition to causing pain and restricting your ability to move comfortably and naturally.
3. Lower Back Pain
The vast majority of people experience the symptoms of lower back pain which are caused by:
- Weak core muscles
- Poor postural alignment
- Excess weight
- Extensions of the body in prolonged positions
Various treatment measures for lower back pain focus on:
- Strengthening muscles
- Correcting posture
4. Slipped Disc (Herniated Disc)
A slipped disc occurs when the disc, a soft cushion between vertebrae or spinal bones, shifts from its normal location/position and applies pressure upon the nerves in the area. Symptoms associated with the slipped disc include:
- Sharp pain in the back
- Pain that travels down into the legs
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the legs, or both
If one seeks treatment early for a slipped disc, the chances of avoiding surgery are greatly increased in many cases.
5. Age-Related Spine Problems
As we advance in age we lose our spinal discs and joints due to wear and tear, which results in some spine problems. Examples include degenerative disc disease and spinal arthritis, both of which can cause chronic pain and stiffness.
Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Back pain can be a minor issue initially but, if left untreated, can become a major problem. Here are some signs to indicate the need for immediate attention:
- Severe or persistent back pain lasting over 7 to 10 days.
- Radiating pain into the legs or arms.
- Weakness or numbness in legs or arms.
- Inability to walk or bend normally.
- Severe back pain during sleep.
- Loss of bowel or bladder control can indicate a medical emergency.
If you experience any of these signs, it is important for you to consult a spine specialist or orthopaedic physician as soon as possible.
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor for Back Pain
- You may find it necessary to consult with an orthopaedic physician about your back pain if:
- You have tried home remedies with no improvement
- Your back pain interferes with your ability to perform everyday tasks
- You wake up every morning with stiff muscles in your back
- You frequently have recurring back pain
- You believe your back pain could be due to disc or nerve issues.
An orthopaedic specialist or spine specialist will examine you physically and may use imaging techniques (e.g., x-rays and/or MRI) in order to provide a diagnosis of the cause of your back pain, and then recommend a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.
Back Pain Treatment Options
The method of treatment for back pain will depend upon both the underlying reason for the pain and its severity. Surgery is not usually required in most cases, as patients can usually have improvement without undergoing surgery.
1. Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatment
Non-surgical methods are the dominant treatment for back pain. These methods include:
- Posture Correction and Rest
- Physiotherapy
- Stretching Exercise
- Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relief Medication
- Ice or Heat Application
- Healthy Lifestyle
These methods will usually be successful in treating back pain that stems from muscle weakness, improper posture/positioning and early disc changes that have not yet become a significant issue.
2. Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments
If you are having persistent back pain, there are some more advanced forms of treatment, which include:
- Spinal Injections
- Spinal Nerve Block Therapy
- Ongoing Guided Physiotherapy Programs.
These advanced treatment options are often prescribed by spine specialists.
3. When Back Pain Needs Surgery
Surgery should only be performed:
1. When the patient continues with pain despite treatment attempts.
2. The patient has nerve compression.
3. The patient has weakness due to a herniated (slipped) disc.
4. There is instability of the spine.
Before recommending surgery, your doctor must inform you of both the advantages and disadvantages associated with it.
Best Orthopedic & Spine Doctors in Gorakhpur
If you want to find someone experienced in treating spine and/or back pain here are recommended physicians located on the Makapt platform.
Dr. Umar Akhtar (Orthopedic Specialist)
Specialization: Back pain treatment, spine-related problems
Why Choose: Known for accurate diagnosis and patient-focused care for chronic and acute back pain.
View Profile: Dr. Umar Akhtar
Dr. Sarang Agrawal – Spine Specialist Doctor
Specialization: Spine disorders, slipped disc treatment, nerve pain
Why Choose: Dr. Agrawal focuses on non-surgical spine care whenever possible and advanced treatment planning.
View Profile: Dr. Sarang Agrawal
Dr. Rohit Ailani – Orthopedic & Spine ExpertDr. Rohit Ailan
Specialization: Lower back pain treatment, disc problems, spinal injuries
Why Choose: Known for treating complex spine cases with a practical and clear approach.
View Profile: Dr. Rohit Ailani
How Makapt Helps You Find the Right Doctor
Makapt allows you to easily:
Compare different Orthopedic doctors
Read about their profiles/specialties
Find nearby Spine Specialists
Make an appointment online
If you are experiencing Back Pain, it is important to seek out the right Doctor at the appropriate time to avoid having to deal with Long Term Issues.
Final Thoughts
Never take Back Pain lightly, especially if it is interfering with your Daily Life. It is important to know what might be causing your Back Pain in order to find the right Lower Back Pain Treatment, as well as contact a Licensed Orthopaedic Doctor for Back Pain to ensure that you recover as quickly as possible and have the best chance of avoiding complications.
The above mentioned Spine Specialist Doctors in Gorakhpur are the Best of the Best Spine Doctors to provide you with the most reliable Guidance for your Spine Injury and Treatment.