Do you suffer from backache, neck pain, or sciatica? You’re not alone. These pain conditions are of the most common reasons for doctor visits and missed work, with about 80 percent of Indians dealing with back pain at some point in their lives. Chronic Back or neck pain can be the most difficult and challenging ones to treat. Windermere Pain Centre is here to offer you guidance, support, and a range of treatment options for your pain originating in the back.
Pain issues with the spine, such as in the lower, middle, or upper back and neck, are common and can interfere with your daily activities. Injury to the back, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, obesity, and muscle strain can all cause pain. The upper back (neck or cervical spine), middle back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar or sacral spine areas) can be affected, and pain can range from mild to severe.
Sedentary lifestyle is one of the top causes of pain originating in the back. As a first step, your
doctor can help you find exercises that will speed your recovery and strengthen your back and
abdominal muscles. Back pain can be caused by something as simple as muscle strain or other muscle problems, but there is a wide range of possible causes, such as ligament strain, Herniated or ruptured discs, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Skeletal structure problems such as bone fracture or bone spurs, Osteoporosis. Other causes of back pain can include poor posture, lifting heavy items improperly, and lack of exercise. Rarely, back pain can be the result of more serious illnesses.
Getting older, smoking, and family history of back problems (heredity) can increase your risk of back issues. Most pain will go away on its own within a few weeks, but if your back pain persists or is severe, or if you have pain after a fall or injury, it is time to consult a doctor.
Symptoms of pain from spinal issues may vary depending on the cause, and could improve within the first 72 hours of onservative treatment. Often back pain goes away on its own within a few weeks. Acute back pain is defined as lasting up to three months, and chronic pain lasts longer than three months. Acute or chronic back pain may exhibit the following symptoms:
Our treatment will depend on the underlying cause and severity of your pain. Treatment options such as ice, rest, and pain medications may give you short-term relief of symptoms. In most cases, non-surgical options are most appropriate. Experts suggest that the most effective treatment is exercise, which has no cost and is non-habit forming.
Chronic pain may require additional therapy, such as physical therapy. Physical therapy is one of the most common conservative treatment options and has the most clinical evidence of success. Studies show that physical therapy results in reduction in pain scores, particularly in the short term. Chronic pain is a more difficult challenge, but starting physical therapy early can help prevent later episodes.
Any further treatments required are based on the underlying problem. If there is something that can be addressed by an orthopaedic surgeon or a neurosurgeon, we will refer you to a specialist.
Implantation of a pain pump can be effective to reduce pain without extensive surgery. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct the underlying spinal issue to relieve pain.
