Comprehensive Guide to Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Back Pain – Physiotherapy

Are you struggling with lower back pain? You’re not alone. Around four out of five people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a sudden sharp pain or a persistent ache, low back pain can severely impact your daily life. At Physioheal Physiotherapy in Gurgaon, we understand the challenges posed by lower back pain and offer expert guidance and treatments to help you on your journey to recovery.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Age: As you age, the discs in your spine wear down, leading to pain and stiffness.
2. Weight: Excess weight puts pressure on joints and disks, increasing the risk of back pain.
3. Overall Health: Weak abdominal muscles, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to back pain.
4. Occupation and Lifestyle: Jobs involving heavy lifting or bending can lead to back injuries.
5. Structural Problems: Conditions like scoliosis can alter spine alignment, causing severe back pain.
6. Disease: Family history of osteoarthritis and certain diseases increase the risk of low back pain.
7. Mental Health: Depression and anxiety can contribute to back pain.

Types of Low Back Pain

Low back pain can be categorized into three subtypes:

• Acute: Lasting less than 6 weeks.
• Sub-acute: Persisting between 6 and 12 weeks.
• Chronic: Enduring for 12 weeks or more.

Anatomy of the Spine

The spine, composed of 24 vertebrae stacked atop each other, is a strong and flexible structure. Discs, ligaments, and muscles support and protect the spine. Facet joints run alongside the spine, while the spinal cord passes through the vertebrae, connecting to the brain and the rest of the body through nerve roots.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Low back pain symptoms vary, ranging from sharp to dull ache. Pain may radiate to the legs (sciatica) and worsen when bending. Symptoms include stiffness, posture problems, and muscle spasms. Your provider may perform physical exams and order imaging studies, like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to diagnose the cause of your pain.

Common Causes

• Strains and Sprains: Injuries from lifting, twisting, or bending can strain muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
• Fractures: Accidents or conditions like osteoporosis can lead to spine fractures.
• Disk Problems: Disks can bulge, press on nerves, or tear, causing pain.
• Structural Problems: Spinal stenosis and scoliosis can lead to pain and stiffness.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis contribute to back pain.
• Disease: Conditions like spine tumors and infections can cause back pain.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition causes vertebrae to slip out of place, causing pain.

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan depends on the cause of your pain:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription drugs can relieve pain.
• Physiotherapy: Exercise programs and manual therapies improve strength and flexibility.
• Hands-On Manipulation: Osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments can relax muscles and improve alignment.
• Injections: Steroid injections reduce pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: Some conditions require surgical repair.

Preventing Back Pain

While some causes are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk of back injuries by:

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Excess weight stresses your spine.
• Strengthening Core Muscles: Pilates and exercises enhance core support.
• Lifting Properly: Use your legs, not your back, and avoid twisting.

Consult Our Expert Physiotherapist

If you’re seeking effective back pain treatment in Gurgaon, turn to Dr. Divya Gaur at Physioheal Physiotherapy. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Divya Gaur, Gurgaon’s best physiotherapist, our experienced team diagnoses and addresses various back pain issues. To schedule an appointment, call +91-9999259307 or book online. Reclaim your life from back pain with Physioheal Physiotherapy’s personalized care and expertise.