Do you experience a dull, constant, or sudden sharp pain in the back portion of your body that spreads from the shoulders to the hips? In plain words, this is what defines Back Pain.

You aren’t alone! Research says 8 out of 10 people suffer through this during their lives.

Dr. Akhil Tawari, a renowned spine surgeon with 15 years of experience, delivers a precise and meticulous course of back pain treatment in Mumbai. But, before knowing more about him, you must know the nitty-gritty about Back Pain and potential treatment for it.

Back pain classification

Back pain can be categorized according to its anatomical location, with pain occurring in the neck, upper back, or lower back. The lower back, which includes the lumbar region, is the most commonly affected area.

Back pain is further classified as:

• Acute: Relatively severe pain that lasts only a few hours, days, or weeks
• Chronic: Frequent pain that lasts more than three months.
• Sub-acute: Mild or bothersome pain that lasts somewhere between acute and chronic.

What causes back pain?

Back pain does not always have a single cause but can be caused by one or more underlying reasons.

The following are some common conditions:

Spondylosis

With age, the discs in our spine thin out, and the spaces between our vertebrae narrow. Moreover, small pieces of bone called osteophytes can form on the edges of the vertebrae and facet joints, making the bones even weaker. Spondylosis is the medical term for this condition which is similar to the changes caused by osteoarthritis.

Sciatica

When a bulging disc presses on the sciatic nerve, it results in sciatica. Discs are designed to bulge so that our spines can move freely, but occasionally a swelling can ‘catch’ a nerve root and cause pain to travel all the way down the leg and foot. Most people recover relatively quickly, though it may take several months in some cases.

Cauda equina syndrome

The cauda equina is a group of spinal nerve roots that emerge from the lower end of the spinal cord with dull pain in the lower back and upper buttocks. Buttocks, genitalia, and thighs may also feel numb in such cases.

Spinal cancer

In this case, back pain can be caused by a tumor on the spine pressing against a nerve.

Spinal infection

A spinal infection could cause the back to stiffen, high fever, and tenderness on the back.

Other probable infections causing back pain

Back pain can even arise due to Pelvic inflammatory disease, bladder infections, and kidney infections.

Also, adopting a hunched sitting position can lead to increased back and shoulder problems over time when using computers. In other words, back pain can be caused by certain everyday activities, poor posture, and movement.

Symptoms of back pain

Back pain can be anything from aching muscles to a shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation. Furthermore, the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen when you bend, twist, lift, stand, or walk.

When should you see a doctor?

Most back pain cases improve gradually with at-home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. But you must consult a doctor if your back pain:

• Lasts for a few weeks
• Is acute and does not resolve with rest
• Spreads down to one or both the legs
• Causes numbness and weakness, or tingling in one or both legs
• Is accompanied by an unexplained loss of weight

Back pain treatment

One of the best spine doctors, Dr. Akhil Tawari, ensures that he follows comprehensive yet the most efficient and latest ways of back pain treatment in Mumbai.

Medication

Most of the back pain episodes are relieved by using anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as:

• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen

Another type of pain reliever is analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). They can also be used to treat back pain, though they lack anti-inflammatory properties.

Topical ointments and rubs

Back pain relief from topical products may be extremely effective. Many of these contain ibuprofen and lidocaine and are available in the form of:

• Gels, Lotions, Creams, Patches, Sprays
• Relaxants for the muscles

Muscle relaxants can also treat lower back pain, especially if muscle spasms are present. These medications work on the central nervous system to lessen the pain.

Steroid injections

For certain causes of back pain, your doctor may also recommend cortisone steroid injections. For example, a person suffering from back pain that involves a nerve may be given a cortisone steroid injection.

Opioids

Opioids are more potent pain relievers prescribed for excruciating pain. These medications, such as oxycodone (OxyContin) as well as a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin), reduce pain by acting on brain cells and the body.

Physical therapy

Physiotherapy can help the joints and connective tissue surrounding your spine become stronger and flexible. The exercises can also help prevent future injuries and keep your back healthy.

Surgery

Surgery is usually reserved for structural abnormalities that haven’t responded to nonsurgical treatment options like medication and therapy.

Surgery may be an alternative for people suffering from:

• Severe, ongoing pain with discernible structural abnormalities
• Compression of the nerves, causing muscle weakness, and spinal cord compression limiting daily activities.

However, surgery is a critical step in a treatment course. Dr. Akhil Tawari and his incredible team studies your case thoroughly to analyze if surgery is crucial or not.

So, if back pain has been troubling you for a long time, you shouldn’t delay and contact Dr. Akhil for a proficient back pain treatment in Mumbai.