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BACK PAIN. ALL YOU SHOULD KNOW.

On 15 JANUARY 2022 | BE AWARE

Dr. ABY THOMAS BEN | Ilan A Chezhian





On 15 JANUARY 2022 | BE AWARE

BACK PAIN. ALL YOU SHOULD KNOW.

BE AWARE



Back pain is a common reason for absence from work and for seeking medical treatment. It can be uncomfortable and debilitating.

It can result from injury, activity and some medical conditions. Back pain can affect people of any age, for different reasons. As people get older, the chance of developing lower back pain increases, due to factors such as previous occupation and degenerative disk disease.

Lower Back Pain: Lower back pain may be linked to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, lower back muscles, abdominal and pelvic internal organs, and the skin around the lumbar area.

Upper Back Pain: Pain in the upper back may be due to disorders of the aorta, tumors in the chest, and spine inflammation.

Types of Back Pain?

Back pain is categorized into two types:

Acute pain starts suddenly and lasts for up to 6 weeks.

Chronic or long-term pain develops over a longer period, lasts for over 3 months, and causes ongoing problems.

Causes of Back-Pain

The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks, and bones, which work together to support the body and enable us to move around.

The segments of the spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called disks.

Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause remains unclear.

Damage can result from strain, medical conditions, and poor posture, among others.

Strain

Back pain commonly stems from strain, tension, or injury. Activities that can lead to strains or spasms include:

lifting something improperly

lifting something that is too heavy

making an abrupt and awkward movement

Structural problems

A number of structural problems may also result in back pain.

Bulging /Ruptured disc

Sciatica

Arthritis

Abnormal curvature of the spine

Osteoporosis

Kidney problems

Movement and posture

Back pain can also result from some everyday activities or poor posture.

Other causes

Some medical conditions can lead to back pain.

Cancer of the spine

Infection of the spine

Sleep disorders

Risk factors

The following factors are linked to a higher risk of developing low back pain:

occupational activities

pregnancy

a sedentary lifestyle

poor physical fitness

older age

obesity and excess weight

smoking

strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly

genetic factors

medical conditions, such as arthritis and cancer


When to see a doctor

You should seek medical help if you experience any numbness or tingling, or if you have back pain:

that does not improve with rest

after an injury or fall

with numbness in the legs

with weakness

with fever

with unexplained weight loss

Diagnosis

A doctor will usually be able to diagnose back pain after asking about symptoms and carrying out a physical examination. An imaging scan like X-Ray, MRI or CT Scan, Bone Scans, EMG and other tests may be required to be done. 

Treatment

Back pain usually resolves with rest and home remedies, but sometimes medical treatment is necessary. Initial treatments comprise of applying a hot compress or an ice pack to the painful area. Resting from strenuous activity can help, but moving around will ease stiffness, reduce pain, and prevent muscles from weakening.

Medical treatment

If home treatments do not relieve back pain, a doctor may recommend medicines, physical therapy or both. 

Surgery

If a patient has a herniated disk, surgery may be an option, especially if there is persistent pain and nerve compression which can lead to muscle weakness. Some of the surgeries are Fusion, Artificial disc, Discectomy, Partially removing a vertebra and injecting cells to regenerate spine discs.

Prevention

Steps to lower the risk of developing back pain consist mainly of addressing some of the risk factors.

Exercise regularly

Have balanced diet

Quit Smoking

Maintain ideal body weight

Keep right posture when standing, sitting

Use right way to lift heavy objects

Do not lift and twist at the same time

Use flat shoes

Drive with proper back support

Use medical mattresses 

Backache which is a  significant disabling symptom resulting in loss of precious manpower can be effectively prevented and treated with proper diagnosis and medical care by the modern developments in medicine .

About Doctors

Dr Ilan Chezhian

Dr Ilan chezhian, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Barka, has many success stories behind him, having mastered minimally invasive arthroplasty surgeries, arthroscopy, sports injuries, paediatric and spine cases along with trauma and poly trauma cases.

Dr Aby Thomas Ben 

Dr Aby Thomas Ben, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Barka has extensive experience in treating complicated cases of trauma and orthopedics. His areas of interest include arthroscopies, hand surgeries and sports medicine. 

For more information visit, www.badralsamaahospitals.com


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WRITTEN BY


Dr. ABY THOMAS BEN

MBBS, MS (Ortho), MCh (Ortho)

Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Ilan A Chezhian

MBBS, D (Ortho)

Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon