Back Pain

Back pain is commonest symptom for which people go to the orthopaedic clinic. Most of people usually had back pain at least once in life time. It is usually predisposed by lifting weights, working in one posture, travelling, jerks and lifting heavy weights.

Symptoms

Pain in back
Difficulty in turning in bed
Difficulty in getting up, bending forward or walking
Radiating pain in legs
Tingling and numbness
Pain in leg after walking for a while
Stiffness in back
Weakness of muscles of leg or foot
Rarely loss of control of urine or stool

Causes

Muscle strain
Disc prolapse
Degeneration of spine
Ankylosing spondylitis
Scoliosis
Osteoporosis

Risk Factors

Age – more common in elderly
Working with abnormal posture
Lack of exercises
Obesity
Improper lifting of weight

Diagnosis

X ray – most common investigation to diagnose reason for back pain. It gives information regarding changes in shape, degeneration and trauma.
MRI – helps to diagnose disc prolapse, nerve compression, infection
Blood tests – may be needed in some cases like infection or ankylosing spondylitis
CT scan / bone scan may be needed in some patients

Treatment

Medicines – anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants take care of pain
Physical therapy – heat, ultrasound, interferential therapy can be used
Exercises – to strengthen core, back and abdominal muscles
Epidural injections, root block can be given
Surgical intervention may be needed in some patients depending on cause.