WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN :
As we grow older, the discs in the spine become thinner and the spaces between the vertebrae become narrower. Common symptoms include back pain, neck pain or stiffness, muscle spasms, a clicking sound when you move your neck, dizziness or headaches. Untreated spondylosis will progress to disabling tingling pain, limited motion, and partial paralysis in affected areas of the body.
Back pain is sometimes linked with pain in the legs, and there may be numbness or a tingling feeling. In most cases, sciatica is caused by a bulging disc pressing on the nerve. The longer it is left untreated, the longer it will take for the numbness and weakness to go away, and may become permanent.
Pain in the legs which starts after you start walking for a few minutes, and then tends to get better very quickly when you sit down. Problems are caused when something presses on the small space in the middle of the spine, where the nerves are. Some people find they have less pain if they walk a little stooped. Like sciatica, the main problem tends to be leg pain more than the back pain. If left untreated, the numbness and weakness could become permanent.
- Muscle or ligament strain
Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. If you are in poor physical condition, constant strain on your back can cause painful muscle spasms.
- Bulging or ruptured disks (Slipped disks)
Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve. It is possible to have a slipped disk without back pain. Disk disease is often found incidentally when you have spine X-rays for some other reason. An untreated severe slipped disc can lead to permanent nerve damage.
Osteoarthritis of the spine is a breakdown of the cartilage of the joints and discs in the neck and lower back. Sometimes, osteoarthritis produces bulging discs or spurs that put pressure on the nerves leaving the spinal column. This can cause weakness and pain in the arms or legs.
A bone disease that causes a loss of bone density. Your spine’s vertebrae can develop painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle. Simple actions such as sneezing or coughing, making a sudden turn, or bumping into a hard surface can result in a fracture.
What are the symptoms of Back Pain?
- Weakness, numbness or tingling in one of both legs
- Persistent pain in back muscles or spine
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Unplanned weight loss
What are the treatment options for Back Pain?
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound is used to diagnose muscle tears of the back which can be very painful and debilitating.
MRI is used to diagnose structural changes and pathology of the vertebral bones and also discs for
slipped protruding discs which can cause sciatica and severe back pain.
- Conservative therapy such as physiotherapy and rehabilitation
Physical therapy can help to reduce the pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are two main types of physical therapy—passive and active treatments. Physical therapy, though effective, has a long road to recovery and may not be suitable for those who are seeking quick and effective solutions to help you get back on your feet in no time.
Regenerative treatment includes prolotherapy for chronic myofascial pain around the scapula bone and also for tears of the muscles of the lower back which are chronic and affecting quality of life. PRP can also be given for the lower back tears with good results.
