Back Pain

The Anatomy

The spine is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. It is divided into several sections: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), sacral, and coccyx (tailbone). The lumbar spine, which supports most of the body’s weight, is most prone to pain and injury. The intervertebral discs act as cushions between vertebrae, while the spinal cord and nerves run through the vertebrae, transmitting signals between the brain and body.

What is Back Pain?

Back pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages and can result from muscle strain, herniated discs, degenerative conditions, or nerve compression. It can be categorized into:

• Acute Back Pain: Lasts for a few days to weeks, often caused by an injury or strain.
• Chronic Back Pain: Persists for more than three months and may indicate an underlying medical condition.
• Mechanical Back Pain: Related to movement, posture, or muscle imbalances.
• Neuropathic Back Pain: Results from nerve damage or irritation, such as sciatica.

What Are the Symptoms of Back Pain?

The symptoms of back pain vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:

• • Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the lower, mid, or upper back.
  • Pain that radiates down the legs (sciatica) or into the hips and buttocks.
  • Stiffness and reduced mobility, making bending or twisting difficult.
  • Muscle spasms, particularly in the lower back.
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs (in severe cases).

How Is Back Pain Diagnosed?

A thorough assessment is necessary to diagnose the root cause of back pain. This includes:

• Medical history review to understand symptoms and possible triggers.
• Physical examination to assess posture, movement, and muscle strength.
• Neurological tests to check for nerve-related issues.
• Imaging tests:
  • X-ray: Detects bone abnormalities, fractures, or arthritis.
  • MRI or CT Scan: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, discs, and nerves.
  • Electromyography (EMG): Assesses nerve function.

How Do We Treat Neck Pain?

Back pain treatment depends on its cause, severity, and duration. Common treatment approaches include:

1. Physiotherapy and Exercise

• Strengthening exercises for the core and back muscles.
• Stretching routines to improve flexibility and posture.
• Manual therapy such as spinal mobilization and manipulation.

2. Pain Management Techniques

• Heat and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
• Electrical stimulation therapy (TENS) to block pain signals.
• Acupuncture or dry needling to relieve muscle tension.

3. Postural Correction and Ergonomic Advice

• Adjusting workstations, sleeping posture, and daily habits to reduce strain.

4. Shockwave Therapy

• • Helps stimulate healing in chronic back pain conditions.

What If Conservative Treatments Don’t Work?

If pain persists despite conservative treatments, advanced options may be considered:

• Steroid Injections: Reduce inflammation around irritated nerves or joints.
• Nerve Blocks: Temporarily block pain signals in severe nerve pain cases.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Such as radiofrequency ablation or spinal decompression.

How Do Steroid Injections Work for Back Pain?

Steroid injections contain anti-inflammatory medication and local anesthetics to reduce swelling and pain. They are commonly used for conditions such as:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal arthritis (facet joint pain)
• Sciatica (nerve compression pain)

What Other Conditions Can Mimic Back Pain?

Some conditions present symptoms similar to back pain, including:

• Kidney stones or infections (pain radiating from the lower back).
• Hip joint issues (pain mistaken for lower back pain).
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve pain).