#The Neurosmile Clinic

[neurospecialist]

5 Tips for Back pain relief

Low back pain is a very common complaint in adults and old aged people. Due to predominance of jobs requiring prolonged sitting, unhealthy dietary habits, improper posture, poor bone healthy, lack of physical activities and smoking, the incidence of low backache has increased significantly. It is one of the major causes for absence from work.

Low back ache generally improves with rest and medication over a period of days to week. But if it doesn't improve for weeks, it is a matter of concern and it requires evaluation by experts.

Dr Boorgula Meher Thej, is a Consultant Neurosurgeon, Specialist in Brain and Spine, he was trained at the prestigious All India Institute of Medical sciences, New Delhi. He has a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Spine surgery. He has an experience of 4 years as a Consultant Neurosurgeon. He is presently working as an Assistant Professor Neurosurgery at MNR Medical College and Hospital, Sangareddy District, Telangana. #Neurosurgery.with.Boorgula #BestNeuroDoctorSangareddy #BestSpinespecialistinSangareddy

What are Warning signs for back pain?

Low back pain is generally mild and resolves in few days to weeks but there are few warning signs which point towards a serious problem.

Persistent pain: Back pain which doesn't improve after treatment even after several weeks of treatment points towards some serious causes.

Shooting pain: Back pain which shoots to other parts of the body like legs, soles, forwards points towards nerve compression.

Associated with inability to control urine or pass urine.

Associated with weakness- inability to move your foot or legs.

Associated with tingling sensation or numbness in your limbs

Fever, weight loss, pain which doesn't improve with rest point towards grave issues.

History of cancer

History of TB

History of trauma

If you have one or more of these warning signs, a a Neurosurgery consultation is required.

What structures of the spine are involved in causing pain?

The pain in the back may be caused by

Muscular pain: This is the most common cause of back pain, caused by improper sleeping, improper weight lifting, improper posture, high velocity sports. This requires medication and few days of rest.

Discogenic pain: when there is an extrusion of the disc it causes pain. Low grade disc herniations require rest followed by physiotherapy.

Neurogenic pain: This happens when there is nerve impingement due to disc extrusion or narrowing of foramen, there is sharp shooting pain which radiates to one or both legs.

What activities are good for spine?

Less intense aerobic exercises like walking, Jogging help in reducing the body weight.

Strength training improves the bone health and improves spine health. But care must be taken to ensure appropriate posture while lifting as wrong posture can lead to injuries.

Swimming is considered ideal exercise for spine.

Incase of old-age or in degenerative diseases of spine, back strengthening exercises are sufficient, these include

Ankle toe movements

Stretching at all joints

Cat - Cow exercises

Pelvic bridges

Single leg bridges

Spine extension exercises

Glutes Isometrics

Superman position

Side plank

How to prevent Back Pain

Regular exercise : Regular aerobic exercise is associated with less incidence of Low back pain. Sedentary lifestyle, with prolonged sitting is linked to higher incidence of low back pain.

Posture: A good posture maintenance, while sitting, and during all activities ensures healthy spine.

Healthy diet: A good diet rich in vitamins, minerals, esp. calcium, Vit-D is essential for bone healthy and spine health.

Avoiding smoking: Smoking is linked to worsening of spine health and accelerated degeneration of the spine.

Body weight: Higher body weight, with higher BMI is a very serious risk factor for degeneration of spine