Back pain is becoming increasingly common for several reasons:

• Sedentary Lifestyle: Many people lead more sedentary lives, with long hours spent sitting at desks or on couches, which can weaken core muscles and lead to poor posture.
• Poor Ergonomics: Work environments that are not ergonomically designed contribute to poor posture and strain on the back, especially during prolonged periods of sitting or lifting.
• Aging Population: As the population ages, conditions like arthritis, disc degeneration, and other age-related issues become more prevalent, leading to increased reports of back pain.
• Obesity: Higher rates of obesity place additional stress on the spine and can lead to various musculoskeletal problems, including back pain.
• Lack of Exercise: A decrease in physical activity can weaken the muscles that support the spine, making injuries more likely.
• Stress: Emotional stress can lead to muscle tension, particularly in the back and neck areas, contributing to pain.
• Technology Use: Increased use of smartphones and tablets often leads to poor posture (like “text neck”), which can exacerbate back pain.
• Heavy Lifting and Improper Techniques: Inadequate lifting techniques and handling heavy loads without proper training can lead to injuries.

Addressing these issues through better posture, regular exercise, and ergonomic adjustments can help manage and reduce back pain.

When to Consult Neurosurgeon Dr.Vishakha for Back Pain? 

Consulting neurosurgeon Dr.Vishakha for back pain is crucial in certain circumstances, especially when symptoms become severe or persistent. Here are some detailed signs that indicate it may be time to seek the expertise of a neurosurgeon:

Severe and Unrelenting Pain: If you find yourself experiencing excruciating pain that does not subside with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers, it’s essential to seek medical advice. This level of pain may indicate underlying issues that require professional evaluation.

Neurological Symptoms: Keep an eye out for any signs of nerve involvement, including numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs. These symptoms can suggest a more serious condition affecting the spinal cord or surrounding nerves, necessitating specialized care.

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control: This alarming symptom could indicate cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. If you experience sudden changes in your ability to control these functions, do not hesitate to seek help.

Radiating Pain: If your back pain travels down one or both legs—commonly referred to as sciatica—especially if accompanied by sensations of weakness or numbness, it could signify a herniated disc or another nerve-related issue. This type of pain is concerning and should be evaluated promptly.

Persistent Symptoms Beyond a Few Weeks: If your back pain endures for more than a few weeks, significantly hampering your daily activities and overall quality of life, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Ongoing pain may warrant further investigation into potential underlying causes.

History of Trauma: If your back pain arises after a significant injury or fall, such as a car accident or sports-related incident, it’s vital to seek medical evaluation. Such trauma could lead to fractures or serious spinal injuries that need immediate attention.

Progressively Worsening Symptoms: Should you notice your symptoms intensifying over time rather than showing signs of improvement, it’s important to consult a specialist. Worsening pain can indicate an escalating condition that may require more advanced treatment options.

Failure of Conservative Treatments: If well-established methods such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are not providing relief within a reasonable timeframe, it may be time to seek a neurosurgeon’s expertise. They can help explore advanced diagnostic tools and treatment alternatives.

Always start by consulting with a primary care provider, who can assess your condition and make informed referrals to a neurosurgeon or another specialist when necessary. Prioritizing your health is key to finding the right course of action for back pain.

Useful suggestions from Neurosurgeon Dr.Vishakha to manage Back Pain

Dr.Vishakha offers several valuable pieces of advice for managing back pain, tailored to each patient’s specific condition and needs. Here are some common recommendations they might provide:

• Physical Therapy: Engage in a structured physical therapy program to strengthen the back muscles, improve flexibility, and promote proper posture. A physical therapist can create a customized exercise regimen to alleviate pain and support recovery.
• Pain Management Techniques: Explore various pain management strategies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), prescription medications, or topical treatments. In some cases, a neurosurgeon may suggest interventions like corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Keeping a healthy weight is crucial for minimizing strain on the spine. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce pressure on the back and improve overall health.
• Ergonomic Adjustments: Assess your work and home environments to ensure they are ergonomically designed. Adjusting your workstation, using supportive seating, and practicing proper lifting techniques can significantly mitigate back strain.
• Stay Active: While rest can be helpful in the acute phase of back pain, staying active is important for long-term recovery. Low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming, can help maintain mobility without exacerbating pain.
• Practice Good Posture: Maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and lifting can help prevent further injury and reduce discomfort. Awareness of body alignment can lead to significant improvements over time.
• Heat and Cold Therapy: Utilize heat pads or cold packs to manage pain. Heat can relax tight muscles and improve circulation, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation and numb acute discomfort.
• Mind-Body Techniques: Consider incorporating stress-reduction practices such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation. These techniques can help reduce muscle tension and improve your overall pain tolerance.
• Avoid Smoking: If you smoke, seek support to quit. Smoking can hinder blood flow and negatively affect the healing process, making recovery from back pain more difficult.
• Evaluate Surgical Options: If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief and your quality of life is significantly impacted, a neurosurgeon might discuss surgical options. Dr.Vishakha will explain the potential benefits and risks associated with each procedure.
• Regular Follow-Up: Schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Continuous communication is essential for effectively managing back pain.

By following these recommendations, patients can play an active role in managing their back pain, potentially leading to better outcomes and an improved quality of life.

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.