What should you know when dealing with ongoing back pain?

Back pain is one of the most prevalent complaints that cuts across age and demographics. Whether a dull ache or a sharp, sudden pain, back pain can interfere with daily activities and significantly impact quality of life.

Understanding the reasons of back pain and knowing when to seek professional treatment are crucial steps in managing this condition effectively.

Dr Martin Liner, an expert in back pain treatment in Dubai, is here to help you understand the underlying causes of back pain, how to address them, and when to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Back Pain Causes

Back pain is caused by several factors, such as lifestyle and underlying medical conditions. The most frequent causes are:

Muscle strain – Muscle strain is one of the most common causes of back pain. Strain in the muscles in the back because of lifting heavy loads, awkward and sudden movement, or even improper posture may lead to tension in the muscles or sprain in the ligaments. It is usually accompanied by stiffness and pain in the lower back region.

Herniated or bulging discs – The spine consists of vertebrae, and between these vertebrae are rubbery discs that act as cushions. Sometimes, these discs can bulge or rupture, putting pressure on nearby nerves, which leads to pain. This condition is often referred to as a herniated disc and can be a significant cause of back pain, especially in the lower back or neck area.

Osteoarthritis –Osteoarthritis is a worn-out joint disorder that occurs when the joint’s cartilage disappears. It has the effect of narrowing spaces among the vertebrae within the spine, with the end result being compression upon the nerves, leading to lower back pain.

Spinal Stenosis – Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves. It is a condition often occurring in older individuals and can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or feet.

Spondylolisthesis –Spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra slides out of place onto the vertebra in front of it. This misalignment can irritate nerves and cause lower back or leg pain.

Postural problems- Long hours of bad posture, like sitting at a desk for long hours without support, can stretch the muscles and ligaments in the back, causing chronic back pain.

Injury or trauma – Trauma caused by accidents, falls, or sports injuries may result in acute back pain. In certain instances, the trauma can result in more serious conditions like fractures or disc ruptures, which necessitate urgent medical intervention.

Underlying health conditions – Some underlying medical conditions, including osteoporosis, infections of the spine, kidney disease, pancreas disease, aorta pathology, or even some types of cancer, can cause chronic back pain. When back pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, it is crucial to find out if there’s an underlying health condition causing the pain.

When to see a Doctor for Back Pain?

While the majority of back pain cases go away with self-care and rest, others need medical attention. If you notice any of the following, you need to consult a doctor or spine specialist professionally:

Persistent pain

If your back pain doesn’t improve or worsen over time despite taking over-the-counter pain medications and following conservative treatments, it’s time to visit a doctor. Persistent pain might signify an underlying condition that requires medical intervention.

Severe pain

If you experience severe or sudden pain that prevents you from moving, standing, or even performing daily activities, visit a doctor immediately. Severe pain is often a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a herniated disc, spinal fracture, or infection.

Numbness or weakness

If your back pain is also accompanied by leg numbness, tingling, or weakness, it could be an indication that a nerve is being compressed. This can be caused by conditions like sciatica or a herniated disc, and it should be addressed by a doctor promptly.

Bowel or bladder problems

Back pain along with bowel or bladder incontinence can be a sign of a medical emergency, like cauda equina syndrome. This is a rare but severe condition that results from too much pressure on the nerves in the spine base. If you feel these symptoms, you should get medical attention immediately.

Trauma or injury

If your back pain follows an accident, fall, or injury, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Even if the pain seems minor, an injury could result in severe underlying damage, such as fractures, which must be treated appropriately.

Unexplained weight loss or fever

Back pain with a fever or unexpected weight loss may be a sign of cancer or infection in the spine. Such symptoms need to be evaluated medically immediately.

Back Pain Treatment in Dubai

Effective treatment can relieve symptoms, restore mobility, and promote overall quality of life when suffering from persistent back pain.

Dr Martin Liner, a renowned specialist in back pain treatment in Dubai, offers personalised care for individuals struggling with chronic back pain. Here are some standard treatment options that Dr Martin Liner provides:

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is the most suitable treatment for back pain. A physical therapist can prescribe a programme to enhance posture, build up muscles, and enhance flexibility. Regular physical therapy is very effective in reducing back pain and avoiding recurrence.

Medications

Pain medications, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or muscle relaxers, can help ease back pain. In the worst cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications, such as opioids, but for only a limited time due to concerns of dependence.

Injections

If the above conservative measures fail, Dr Martin Liner might suggest steroid injections. The injections decrease inflammation and temporarily ease conditions like herniated discs or stenosis of the spine.

Surgical treatment

Surgery may sometimes be necessary if other treatments fail to provide relief. Dr Martin Liner provides minimally invasive surgery for issues like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis or fractures. Surgery is typically recommended only after all other options have been exhausted or if there are significant neurological deficits present..

Dr Martin Liner will work with you to find the best combination of treatments for your condition. Back pain is a prevalent and frequently incapacitating condition impacting your daily routine.

Whether it’s caused by muscle strain, herniated discs, or underlying health issues, knowing the causes of back pain and understanding when to see a doctor are key to finding effective treatment.

If you are facing recurring or intense back pain or any other unsettling symptoms, don’t delay visiting Spine surgeon in Dubai for specialist consultation in Dubai for back pain treatment.

With a holistic approach to managing back pain, Dr Martin Liner offers personalised treatment plans to assist you in restoring mobility, alleviating pain, and enhancing your quality of life.

If you’re struggling with ongoing back pain, Dr Martin Liner offers effective treatments tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation with Dr Martin Liner today and take the first step towards a pain-free life.