Back pain is becoming increasingly common as many people spend long hours sitting at desks or in front of screens, which can weaken back muscles and lead to discomfort.With the prevalence of technology, many individuals tend to adopt poor posture, contributing to strain on the spine.Excess weight puts additional stress on the back and can lead to discomfort and pain over time.As people age, the likelihood of developing spinal issues such as herniated discs or osteoarthritis increases.High levels of stress can lead to muscle tension and exacerbate back pain.Inadequate exercise can weaken muscles that support the spine, making individuals more susceptible to injury.Many people do not lift heavy objects correctly, leading to strain on the back.

Addressing these factors through regular exercise, good posture, ergonomic workspaces, and proper lifting techniques can help reduce the incidence of back pain.

Symptoms & causes of back pain as explained by best Neurosurgeon Dr Vishakha Patil

The causes of back pain

1. Muscle or Ligament Strain: Overexertion, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements can strain muscles and ligaments in the back.
2. Herniated or Bulging Discs: Discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and if they bulge or rupture, they can press on nerves, causing pain.
3. Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis can lead to degeneration of spinal joints, resulting in back pain.
4. Sciatica: This occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, leading to pain that radiates down the leg.
5. Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions such as scoliosis (curvature of the spine) can lead to back pain.
6. Osteoporosis: Weak and brittle bones can result in fractures in the spine, causing significant pain.
7. Infections or Tumors: Although less common, infections in the spine or tumors can lead to back pain.
8. Poor Posture: Bad posture while sitting, standing, or sleeping can contribute to chronic back pain.
9. Emotional Stress: Stress and tension can lead to muscle tightness and discomfort in the back.
10. Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, lack of exercise, and being overweight can increase the risk of developing back pain.

Understanding these causes can help in prevention and treatment of back pain.

The symptoms of back pain

1. Localized Pain: Pain may be felt in a specific area of the back, such as the lower back, middle back, or upper back. This can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain.
2. Radiating Pain: Sometimes, back pain can radiate to other areas, such as the hips, buttocks, legs (especially with sciatica), or even down to the feet.
3. Muscle Spasms: You may experience involuntary muscle contractions or spasms, which can be painful and limit movement.
4. Stiffness: A feeling of tightness in the back, especially after prolonged sitting or standing, can accompany back pain. This stiffness may make it difficult to move comfortably.
5. Numbness or Tingling: If nerves are affected, you might feel numbness or a tingling sensation in the legs, feet, or arms. This is often associated with herniated discs or other nerve issues.
6. Weakness: You may notice weakness in the legs or feet, making it difficult to walk, stand, or perform everyday tasks.
7. Changes in Mobility: Pain can limit your ability to bend, twist, or lift. This restriction can affect your daily activities and quality of life.
8. Increased Pain with Activity: Certain movements, activities, or positions may exacerbate back pain. For example, bending, lifting, or prolonged sitting might increase discomfort.
9. Chronic Pain: For some individuals, back pain can be a persistent issue, lasting for weeks or even longer. Chronic back pain can significantly impact daily routines and emotional well-being.
10. Accompanying Symptoms: In some cases, back pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or bladder/bowel dysfunction, which could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.

If you experience severe back pain or a combination of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Treatment for back pain by Best Neurosurgeon Dr Vishakha Patil 

Treatment for back pain by a neurosurgeon typically involves a comprehensive approach, depending on the specific diagnosis and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatment options:

1. Conservative Management:

   – Medications: Pain relief may initially involve over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs) or prescription medications to manage inflammation and pain.

   – Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide exercises to strengthen back muscles, improve flexibility, and posture, helping to alleviate pain.

   – Activity Modification: Patients are often advised to avoid activities that exacerbate pain and to engage in gentle, low-impact exercise.

2. Injections:

   – Epidural Steroid Injections: These can reduce inflammation around spinal nerves and provide temporary pain relief.

   – Nerve Blocks: Targeted injections can interrupt pain pathways from specific nerves.

3. Surgical Options: If conservative measures fail and the pain is significantly affecting quality of life, a neurosurgeon may consider surgical interventions, such as:

   – Discectomy: Removal of herniated or damaged disc material pressing on nerves.

   – Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, often done for conditions like spinal stenosis.

   – Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine, commonly performed after disc removal or in cases of severe instability.

   – Artificial Disc Replacement: In some cases, a damaged disc may be replaced with an artificial one.

4. Rehabilitation: After surgery, a tailored rehabilitation program may be recommended to aid recovery and strength-building.
5. Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, managing stress, and practicing ergonomic techniques can also be part of the treatment plan.

The specific treatment chosen will depend on the underlying cause of the back pain and the individual patient’s condition. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by a neurosurgeon, including imaging studies and a detailed medical history, is essential for determining the best course of action.

About Dr Vishakha:

Dr Vishakha Basavraj Karpe is a highly skilled senior consultant at Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Banjara Hills and Hydernagar Hyderabad. She is known for her comprehensive care approach and is one of the few dedicated leading paediatric neurosurgeons in the city and India with over ten years of extensive experience in pediatric neurosurgery. Her expertise includes treating hydrocephalus, spinal dysraphism, craniosynostosis, paediatric brain infections, brain and spine tumours and stroke surgery. She has a special interest in craniosynostosis surgery, which is done only in very few centres in India.

Proficiency of Dr Vishakha:

1. 1. Hydrocephalus (increased fluid in the brain): The procedure involves an endoscopic third ventriculostomy and CSF diversion (VP shunt) to treat complex hydrocephalus.
   2. Craniosynostosis (abnormal head shape due to untimely cranial sutures fusion) surgeries: Helmet therapy is a technique that is used in both endoscopic and open surgery.

• Spinal dysraphisms(Spina Bifida)- (spinal abnormalities present by birth) – surgical repair

• Encepahaocles repair surgery.

1. 1. Vascular conditions and stroke surgeries: revascularization surgeries for moya moya disease.

• Pediatric brain and spine tumour surgeries.

1. 1. Pediatric brain and spine infection surgeries: Endoscopic and open surgeries for brain and spine infections.

• Pediatric traumatic brain and spinal injury.

• Antenatal counselling for congenital fatal neurosurgical conditions.