Backache

Most people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Infact, low back pain is second only to headache among the leading causes of pain all over the world. Majority of these cases can be treated without surgery.

The most common causes of backache are:

Patient may have only backache & stiffness, or pain running along the legs with backache, as happens in disc prolapse with nerve compression.

Routine blood and X-Ray investigations most of the time are not very useful for such cases. In selected few cases, a CT scan or MRI scan may be needed.

Treatment: Patient education is the key.

Preventive Advice regarding correct posture
Avoid forward bending
Lifting weights without jerking
Use of firm mattress
Regular Exercise
Treatment Short period of strict bedrest in acute pain
Traction, if needed
Firm mattress
Diathermy
Oral medication for pain
Local anesthetic injection for certain cases
Followed by Elastic belts
Back exercises
Weight reduction

Light elastic belts that provide some support without unduly restricting movements can be useful, but prolonged use of such should be avoided as this may lead to weakening of back muscles.