Spine Pain

Spine Pain Treatment by Dr. Vivek Loomba

Spine Pain happens due to strain in the lower back (lumbar region) and neck (cervical region) area. It results from injury, dysfunctional activity, or a medical condition. Back pain is one of the leading causes of ailment in the world. It is prevalent in older populations above the age of 60. However, due to a lack of physical activity or strain in regular activity, one can witness the symptoms of back pain at an early age.

Symptoms of Spinal Pain

Mild to Moderate spinal pain can be treated with non-surgical procedures and proper home treatment in a few weeks. Still, if the pain is prolonged for more than a few weeks it is advisable to talk to your healthcare provider. As it can cause major pain from burning or stabbing sensations which will lead to strain in your normal activities while bending, walking, moving, or lifting. The most common symptoms you’ll notice in patients suffering from spinal pain includes –

• Abnormal weight loss
• Inflammation in the back
• Frequent urination 
• Fever
• Pain down the legs
• Persistent back pain
• Knee pain
• Numbness around genitals or anus
• Muscle spasms
• Numbness around buttocks
• An injury or trauma
• Stiffness in the back

Causes of Spinal pain

Spinal pain is caused by injury, trauma, or certain medical condition. It is also dependent on the lifestyle adopted by a person that can trigger spinal pain at an early age. The frequent causes of spinal pain are –

• Muscle or Ligament strain – Repetitive heavy lifting or involuntary movement in the body can pull muscle leading to muscle strain.
• Damaged disks – It is caused due to minor strain or quirk movement in the body.
• Muscle spasms – These happen due to overuse of muscle, dehydration, or sitting/standing for a long period of time.
• Osteoporosis – It is a condition that causes bones to become weak or brittle. Even bending or coughing can cause strain in muscles. 
• Ruptured disk – In this, it affects nearby nerves causing pain or weakness in the spine.
• Ankylosing spondylitis – It is an inflammatory disease that causes the spine to burn out. 

There are also many risk factors involved in spinal pain that can lead to strain on muscles –

• Age – Spine pain is common above the age group of 30.
• Lack of exercise – Muscles get weak causing an increase in body fat leading to strain on the spine.
• Excessive weight – Increased amount of fat weight can harm the spine.
• Diseases – Cancer and arthritis can cause severe spinal pain.
• Improper lifting – Using the back to lead heavy weights can cause muscle spasms.
• Psychological condition – A person with a mental or psychological issue can strain the muscles through constant stress.
• Smoking – Frequent smoking can harm the herniated disks which decrease the blood flow in the spine.

Treatments of Spine Pain

Spine Pain usually involves a range of therapies and treatments including – 

• Medications – It recommends Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription drugs to relieve pain. 
• Physical Therapy – It can strengthen muscles to support the spine for flexibility improvement.
• Injections – A small thin needle injection on the targeted area to reduce inflammation.
• Surgery – Some severe injuries need surgical repair to avoid inflammation and further damage.
• Hands-on adjustments – Some tight muscles need massage therapy for a complete repair. Based on the patient’s severity of pain, osteopathic manipulation or chiropractic adjustments will be needed for pain relief.

Other complimentary treatments that can contribute to effective treatments include-

• Acupuncture – Insertion of needles on specific points of the body. It helps in the stimulation of nerves causing a release of the body’s natural painkillers and endorphins for a reduction in spine pain.
• Yoga – It involves movements and body postures for strengthening and flexibility of muscles. 
• Osteopath – A specialized treatment for treating the skeleton and muscles.
• Chiropractor – It helps in spinal manipulations for the proper functioning of the body. 

Several people around the world face constant lower back and neck pain that results in a lack of movement in the body. However, proper treatment under an expert healthcare professional can improve the person’s quality of life. Talk to your pain management specialist doctor about your symptoms for the necessary guidance on treatments to relieve pain for a healthy life.