Your back is like a set of legos arranged beautifully well, these small wonderful bones are known as vertebrae. The vertebrae are cushioned by the simple disc-like structures between them known as vertebral discs. These help in a smooth movement such as forward and backward bending and rotations. Back pain is a very common problem in today’s world due to postural abnormalities and trauma incidents. Back pain doctor Dr. Sumit Badhwar advocates the early treatment of back pain to avoid any muscle weakness and secondary problems. 

Causes of Back Pain 

• Trauma to the back 
• The sudden lifting of a heavyweight
• Sudden jerk 
• Aging 
• Overactivity of back muscles like physical exertion, sports activity, etc 
• Muscle soreness 

The Pathology behind Back Pain 

Back trauma or overexertion or aging can lead to many pathologies in the back. The most common pathologies can be – 

• Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc (PIVD) – PIVD is also known as The disc that is present as a cushion in between the vertebrae can be prolapsed from the space thereby leading to pain in the back. This pain is deep and it can lead to nerve impingement as well. If it hits a sciatic nerve, it is most likely to cause pain in the back of the thigh and leg known as sciatica.
• Disk Tear – The disk can tear as well, this may occur due to degeneration or aging, etc. 
• Lumbar Spondylosis – The vertebrae may go through wear and tear with age thereby causing spinal arthritis. In this disorder, the osteophytes (pointy ends of bones) and straightening of the spinal curvature occurs. Pain and stiffness are the main symptoms.
• Scoliosis – Lateral or side bending of the spine is a postural abnormality. It can lead to a hump and forward bending along with pain and respiratory problems in severe cases. 
• Kyphosis – In this postural abnormality, the spine moves outwards thereby leading to a humpback deformity. It happens in the upper back.  
• Cervical Spondylosis – As the name suggests, it happens in the neck but the symptoms and pathology are the same as of lumbar spondylosis. 

Symptoms 

• The symptoms vary with the stage of the disease. The pain can be throbbing or deep. It can also be a dull-aching pain or it may surface just after a high energy activity. 
• Stiffness in changing positions
• Pain while bending forwards or backward
• Tenderness in case of a trauma or soreness
• Redness may or may not be present

How the diagnosis of back pain cause is made?

The cause is identified by the symptoms, observation and some diagnostic tests are ordered if the need arises. X-ray is most commonly done and MRI and CT scans can also be performed in some cases. 

Back Pain Treatment 

• Rest is advised for about 2-3 days in case of severe back pain as the sore muscles and back need rest to recover. 
• Medications are given to decrease the inflammation and swelling from the insides. Most commonly NSAIDS is prescribed. 
• Physical Therapy plays a very important role in the treatment of back pain, the exercises release tight muscles and add strength to the back muscles as well.
• Surgical Measures are rarely taken into consideration as most patients get treated by the non-surgical measures only. Spinal fusion and disc repair surgeries are performed in severe cases of back pain. 

Still, have questions? Visit the best orthopedic doctor in Noida, Dr. Sumit Badhwar at Bone & Joint Clinic Noida. Book Appointment today!