BACK PAIN is one of the most common medical problems. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that may shoot down the leg. Sometimes it can come on suddenly from an accident, a fall, or lifting something heavy, or it can develop slowly because of age related degenerative changes in the spine. In some cases, inflammatory arthritis disorders or other medical conditions cause back pain. 

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR BACKACHE

Homoeopathy is based on the principle of individualisation and symptom similarity by using holistic approach. The aim of homoeopathy is not only to treat the disease condition but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. Homoeopathy is known to effect magical recovery in back pain cases whether resulting from disc complaint, arthritis, injuries or muscle strain. It offers a wide range of highly effective remedies prescribed after detailed analysis and evaluation of symptoms. They are natural and therefore, safe for consumption by all age groups.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

Anyone can have back pain, and almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their life. Several factors increase your risk of developing back pain and can include:  

• Fitness level. Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit. For example, weak back and stomach muscles may not properly support the spine (core strength). Back pain is also more likely if you exercise too strenuously after being inactive for a while (overdoing it).
• Weight gain. A diet high in calories and fat, combined with an inactive lifestyle, can lead to obesity. This can put stress on the back.
• Job-related risk factors. Jobs that require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting can injure the back. A desk job may also play a role, especially if you have poor posture or sit all day in an uncomfortable chair.
• Stress level. If you chronically have poor sleep, depression, or anxiety, back pain can be more frequent and more severe.
• Age. Back pain becomes more common with age, particularly after the age of 45.
• Heredity. Genetics play a role in some disorders that cause back pain.

SYMPTOMS OF BACK PAIN

Back pain can range from local pain in a specific spot to generalized pain spreading all over the back. Sometimes the pain radiates away from the back to other areas of your body, such as the buttocks, legs, or abdomen. The intensity of back pain varies for each person. Depending on the type, causes, and location of your back pain, you may experience.

• Increasing pain with lifting and bending.
• Worsening pain when resting, sitting, or standing.
• Back pain that comes and goes.
• Stiffness in the morning when awakening and lessened back pain with activity.
• Pain that radiates away from the back into the buttocks, leg, or hip.
• Numbness or weakness in your legs or feet.

You should see a doctor if your pain does not improve after a few weeks or if any of the following symptoms happen with your back pain.

• Numbness and tingling.
• Severe back pain that does not improve with medication.
• Back pain after a fall or injury.
• Back pain along with.
  • Trouble urinating.
  • Weakness, pain, or numbness in your legs.
  • Fever.
  • Weight loss that you did not intend.

CAUSES OF BACK PAIN

Back pain can be caused by many different factors, which may all be present at the same time and interact to result in chronic low back pain. These could include mechanical or structural problems with the spine, inflammatory conditions, and other medical conditions. It is also possible that no specific cause can be identified for the start of back pain.

Mechanical/Structural Problems

Back pain can happen when mechanical or structural problems develop in the spine, discs, muscles, ligaments, or tendons in the back, or compress a nerve.

• Sprain . An injury to the ligaments that support the spine (which connect the different bones together), often occurring from twisting or lifting improperly.
• Strain. An injury to a muscle or tendon.
• Degenerative disc disease. Aging causes the discs between the vertebrae of the spine to break down. It is associated with other degenerative changes in the spine, such as arthritis or spinal stenosis.
• Herniated or ruptured discs. An event causing a disc to compress and irritate nearby nerves. This often occurs at the lumbar level but can be present in the cervical spine as well.
• Spondylolisthesis. A vertebra in the spine slips out of place or gradually moves out of alignment.
• Spinal stenosis. a narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Fractured vertebrae.
• Scoliosis or other congenital changes to the spine.
• Myofascial pain. Tightness and pain of the muscles supporting the spine due to damage to the muscles or a result of the nerve input to the muscles coming from the spine.

INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS

• Ankylosing spondylitis, a specific type of arthritis of the spine.
• Other types of inflammatory arthritis of the spine.

OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS

• Osteoporosis, which can lead to painful fractures of the vertebrae.
• Fibromyalgia, a condition of widespread muscle pain and fatigue.
• Kidney stones or infections.
• Endometriosis, which is the build-up of uterine tissue in places outside the uterus.
• Infections that involve the bones of the spine or the discs between these bones, which can cause back pain.
• Tumors, in rare cases, that develop on the spine or other areas of the back.
• Pregnancy.

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT BACK PAIN?

Improving one's physical condition and learning and practicing how to use the body might help prevent back pain.

To keep the back healthy and strong.

• Exercise Regular low-impact aerobics activities those that don't strain or jolt the back can increase strength and endurance in the back and allow the muscles to work better. Walking, bicycling and swimming are good choices.
• Build muscle strength and flexibility  Abdominal and back muscle exercises, which strengthen the core, help condition these muscles so that they work together to support the back.
• Maintain a healthy weight being overweight strains back muscles.
• Quit smoking Smoking increases the risk of low back pain. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, so quitting should help reduce this risk.

Avoid movements that twist or strain the back. To use the body properly:

• Stand smart Don’t slouch. Maintain a neutral pelvic position. When standing for long periods, place one foot on a low footstool to take some of the load off the lower back. Alternate feet. Good posture can reduce the stress on back muscles.
• Sit smart Choose a seat with good lower back support, armrests and a swivel base. Placing a pillow or rolled towel in the small of the back can maintain its normal curve. Keep knees and hips level. Change position frequently, at least every half-hour.
• Lift smart Avoid heavy lifting, if possible. If you must lift something heavy, let your legs do the work. Keep your back straight no twisting and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Find a lifting partner if the object is heavy or awkward.

HOW IS BACK PAIN EVALUATED AND DIAGNOSED?

In many cases, the information can be obtained from interviewing you about your symptoms, health history and lifestyle and then doing an exam. However, sometimes image tests are necessary. These may include:

• X-rays
• MRI
• CT scans
• Bone scan
• EMGs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS