Backache is a highly common issue, with up to almost 80% of individuals experiencing it in their lifespan. Back pain is a leading source of disability on a global scale. It prevails with the increasing age, and also, women are more affected by the pain than men. It has become a major health issue, which is giving rise to significant absence from work.
Understanding backache
Backache refers to a common pain in the back area of the body, extending from dull to sharp pain. It is commonly due to poor posture, muscle strains, various kinds of injuries or even spinal issues, which are generally age-related. The pain usually improves with home remedies and care, but a few times, it can signal serious conditions. Backache can vary from sharp, dull aches, burning sensations, to severe pain in the nerves, which can further radiate down to the legs, thereby causing numbness or weakness, which can considerably impact sleep and even work. Also, mental health and daily activities can be affected, which can lead to depression and an increase in the weight of the sufferer because of inactivity.
The physical effects
- Types of pain — Sharp, dull, burning or shooting pain which is usually worsened by bending, standing or moving.
- Issues of the nerves — Tingling, weakness or numbness of the legs and feet from nerve compression, which could either be sciatica or radiculopathy.
- Problems with the posture — Having a lower back curve which is flattened or standing in a crooked position.
- Loss of mobility — Difficulty standing straight, stiffness, reduction in the range of motion and muscle spasms.
Primary causes
- Structural issues — Arthritis, Herniated or damaged discs, spinal fractures, osteoporosis or bone spurs.
- Musculoskeletal problems — Poor posture, incorrect lifting, spasms, sprains and muscle strains.
- Various lifestyle factors leading to backache — Smoking, repetitive twisting, obesity, lack of physical activity or heavy lifting.
- Some underlying conditions — Tumours, infections or issues with various organs such as the kidneys.
Various treatments
- Lifestyle changes — Wearing supportive footwear, exercising regularly with proper lifting techniques, and maintaining a healthy weight prove to be beneficial for treating back pain.
- Home care — It involves gentle walking activities and avoiding longer bed rest, using a supportive mattress, applying hot or cold packs and maintaining a good posture.
- Medications — Anti-inflammatories (to be used cautiously), muscle relaxants and over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to get rid of the backache.
- Physical therapy — To improve flexibility, it is essential to strengthen your core as well as back muscles.
Must consult a doctor
If the pain is severe and also persistent even with the treatments like pain relievers, specific exercises, physical therapy or lifestyle changes, then it becomes crucial to consult a doctor. You ought to consult the doctor if —
- Backache is severe and terrible and is not improving with rest.
- Back pain persists for many weeks.
- There is a fever.
- The pain is causing numbness, weakness or even tingling.
- You experience a sudden loss of bowel control or the control of bladder.
- Backache is followed by weight loss, which is often unexplained.
- The pain in the back is travelling down to the legs, specifically below the knee.
Conclusion
Kalyan Hospital provides holistic care related to all kinds of diseases and conditions related to Orthopaedics. Our specialists focus on the conditions which impact the movement of the patient, the musculoskeletal system, including bones, ligaments, tendons, joints, nerves and muscles and treat related injuries and diseases such as arthritis. We offer various joint surgeries by the experts. We strive to offer minimally invasive treatment using advanced technology. You can consult the doctors at our hospital for the best advice regarding the issues you are suffering from, and thereafter get the best treatment with holistic care.
