Back Pain FAQ | Samobathi Pain Clinic Kolkata

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BACK PAIN

QUESTIONS THAT ARE FREQUENTLY ASKED ON BACKACHE BY THE PATIENTS DURING THEIR CONSULTATION WITH OUR DOCTORS ARE ANSWERED IN THIS SECTION

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON BACK PAIN

What is back pain?

Back pain is a common condition that can affect any part of the spine. It can range from a dull ache to a sharp or shooting pain. It can also cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
What causes back pain? Back pain can have many causes, such as muscle or ligament strain, bulging or ruptured disks, arthritis, osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, or spinal stenosis. Sometimes, back pain can be triggered by stress, poor posture, lifting, bending, or twisting. Rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a fracture, infection, or cancer.

How is back pain diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and physical activity. They will also examine your back and check for signs of nerve damage. They may order tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or blood tests to rule out other conditions or find the exact cause of your pain.
How is back pain treated? Most back pain improves with home treatment and self-care, such as rest, ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, gentle exercises, and stretching. If your pain is severe or does not improve after a few weeks, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery.

How can I prevent back pain?

You can reduce your risk of back pain by keeping your back strong and flexible, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, lifting properly, using ergonomic furniture and equipment, and managing stress.

If you don’t perform surgery, what else can help with low back pain?

Low back pain can be treated without surgery in many ways. Some common nonsurgical treatments are:

- Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches to improve your back and spine.
- Medications: Drugs to reduce pain and inflammation, such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, muscle relaxants, and opioids. Use them carefully and with your doctor’s advice.
- Pain Interventional Procedures: These are some procedures that can help with low back pain:

- Epidural Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids are injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord.
- Facet Joint Injections: Local anaesthetic and corticosteroids are injected into the facet joints between the vertebrae.
- Radiofrequency Ablation: Heat applied to the nerve conduction from the facet joints.
- Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy: Heat applied to the affected disc.
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections: Medication is injected into the sacroiliac joint.
- Lumbar Sympathetic Block: Anaesthetic injected around the sympathetic nerves in the lumbar region.
- Trigger Point Injections: Local anaesthetics or corticosteroids are injected into muscle knots.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: Electrical pulses delivered to the spinal cord.
- Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Bone cement injected into a fractured vertebra.
- Percutaneous Discectomy/Nucleoplasty: A small portion of the disc material is removed.

Consult a pain management specialist or an interventional pain physician to find the best procedure for you. These interventions may be combined with other treatments like physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.

Will bed rest make my low back pain better?

While short-term bed rest might provide relief for certain types of acute low back pain, it's generally not recommended for more than a day or two. Prolonged bed rest can actually worsen back pain and delay recovery. Here's why:

Muscle Weakness: Extended bed rest can lead to muscle weakening and atrophy. This may exacerbate back pain and make it more difficult for you to return to your regular activities.
Stiffness: Lack of movement can contribute to stiffness in the joints and spine. This stiffness may increase pain and hinder your ability to perform normal daily activities.
Reduced Circulation: Remaining in one position for too long can decrease blood flow to the muscles and other tissues, potentially slowing down the healing process.
Psychological Impact: Prolonged bed rest can have a negative impact on mental health. It may contribute to feelings of frustration, boredom, and isolation, which can in turn affect your perception of pain.

For acute low back pain, it's generally advisable to stay active and resume normal activities as soon as possible, within the limits of your pain. Gentle exercises, such as walking or swimming, can help maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

If your lower back pain is persistent or severe, it's important to consult with a Pain Specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. They may recommend a combination of physical therapy, medications, and pain management interventions tailored to your specific condition.