About Hip Pain

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints affecting individuals of all ages and lifestyles. It can be felt anywhere along the spine—from the neck (cervical spine) to the lower back (lumbar spine). For many, back pain comes and goes; for others, it can become a chronic, debilitating condition that affects daily activities, posture, and sleep.

Back pain may be caused by muscle strain, disc problems, arthritis, or even poor posture. If left untreated, it can worsen over time and lead to nerve involvement, radiating pain, or mobility issues. Early diagnosis and proper care can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Types of Back Pain

• Acute Pain – Lasts a few days to weeks, often after an injury
• Chronic Pain – Lasts more than 3 months and may return frequently
• Mechanical Back Pain – Due to muscle, ligament, or joint strain
• Radicular Pain – Pain that radiates along a nerve (e.g., sciatica)
• Axial vs Referred Pain – Pain felt in the spine vs pain felt in hips, thighs
   

Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain

• Dull, aching discomfort
• Sharp, stabbing pain in a specific area
• Pain radiating to the legs or buttocks (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling in legs or feet
• Stiffness or difficulty standing upright
• Weakness in limbs or poor balance
• Pain worsening with bending, lifting, or sitting
• Sleep disturbance due to nighttime pain

Back Pain Causes

• Muscle or ligament strain
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis – Narrowing of the spinal canal
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis or spondylosis
• Poor posture or ergonomics
• Injuries from falls or accidents
• Osteoporosis – Fragile bones and fractures

Back Pain Risk Factors

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
• Obesity or weak core muscles
• Aging – wear and tear of spinal discs
• Repetitive stress or improper posture
• Smoking – reduces blood flow to the spine
• Mental stress and poor sleep quality

Back Pain Complications

• Persistent nerve pain – Like sciatica
• Limited range of motion – Impairs daily activities
• Muscle weakness – Especially in lower limbs
• Sleep disturbances – From ongoing pain
• Depression or anxiety – Due to chronic discomfort
• Reduced work capacity – Absenteeism or disability

Back Pain Diagnosis

• Physical Examination
  
  • Posture analysis, flexibility, and reflex testing
• Imaging Tests
  
  • X-rays – Show bone issues or alignment
  • MRI – Visualizes discs, nerves, and spinal cord
  • CT Scan – For detailed spinal structure assessment
• Nerve Studies (EMG)
  
  • Checks for nerve compression or damage
• Blood Tests
  
  • To rule out infections or autoimmune causes

Back Pain Treatment

• Medications (only under specialist care)
  
  • Pain relievers, muscle relaxants
  • Anti-inflammatories, nerve pain medications
  • Steroid injections for localized pain relief
• Physiotherapy
  
  • Customized exercises for strength, flexibility, and posture
• Ergonomic Counseling
  
  • Improve workstation, sleep positions, and lifting technique
• Lifestyle Changes
  
  • Weight control, stress reduction, quitting smoking

Back Pain Surgical Options

• Microdiscectomy – For herniated discs pressing on nerves
• Laminectomy – Removes part of the vertebra to relieve pressure
• Spinal Fusion – Joins two or more vertebrae for stability
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) – Smaller incisions, quicker recovery
• At MASSH MANAS, Noida, we offer advanced spinal care with expert orthopedic and neuro-spine surgeons using state-of-the-art techniques for faster, safer outcomes.