Low Back Pain is a common issue that many people experience at some point in their lives. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation that makes movement difficult. Here are some common causes and considerations for low back pain.
- Muscle or Ligament Strain: This is often due to repeated heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements that strain the back muscles and spinal ligaments.
- Bulging or Ruptured Disks: Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve, causing pain.
- Arthritis: different types of arthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
- Skeletal Irregularities: Back pain can occur if your spine curves abnormally. Scoliosis, a condition in which your spine curves to the side, also may lead to back pain, but generally not until middle age.
- Osteoporosis: Your spine’s vertebrae can develop compression fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.
Risk factors: Back pain is more common as you get older, starting around age 30 or 40. Lack of exercise, excessive weight, weight lifting, smoking, and diseases such as arthritis and cancer can increase your risk.
When to see a doctor: Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment and self-care, usually within a few weeks. However, see your doctor if your pain:
- Not subsided with medication and rest
- Associated with sharp shooting leg pain and tingling and numbness of leg
- Difficulty in walking
- Weakness of limb
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- Causes new bowel or bladder problems
- Is accompanied by fever
- Follows a fall, blow to your back, or other injury
Treatment usually involves staying active and doing exercises to stretch and strengthen your back. Painkillers can help relieve the pain, and in some cases, surgery may be needed. Always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe back pain to rule out serious underlying conditions.
When evaluating low back pain, healthcare providers typically follow a systematic approach to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment. Here’s a general outline of the workup for low back pain:
- Medical History: The first step is to gather information about your symptoms, how long you’ve had them, any past injuries or conditions related to your back, and any activities or movements that worsen or alleviate the pain.
- Physical Examination.
- Imaging Studies: Depending on the severity and duration of your symptoms, imaging studies may be ordered. These can include:
- X-rays: Useful for evaluating bones and checking for fractures, arthritis, or structural abnormalities.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, and disks. It can reveal herniated disks, spinal stenosis, or tumors.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scan: Sometimes used to get more detailed images of the bones and joints, particularly if a fracture or bone abnormality is suspected.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests are not usually necessary for routine low back pain unless there is suspicion of infection, inflammatory conditions, or systemic diseases.
The specific workup may vary depending on individual circumstances and the healthcare provider’s clinical judgment. It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, any limitations they cause, and your goals for treatment. This will help guide the diagnostic process and ensure you receive appropriate care for your lower back pain.
Management:-
- Physiotherapy
- Pain Procedure:- Nerve Root Block, Facet Joint Injection
SURGERY:-
- Micro Lumber Discectomy
- Endoscopic Discectomy-trans-foraminal endoscopic discectomy, unilateral-bi portal endoscopic discectomy, PSLD- Percutaneous stenoscopic lumber decompression.
- Micro Lumber Decompression Plus Fixation
- TLIF (Transforaminal Lumber Interbody Fusion)
- MIS TLIF (Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery)
- OLIF (Oblique Lumber Interbody Fusion)
- MIS Fixation
- Kyphoplasty
- Vertebroplasty