Back pain affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including strenuous exercise or a kidney stone.

When to see a doctor for back pain

The following are some of the most common reasons for seeing a doctor for your back pain:

• Strain or damage to the muscles
• Arthritis
• A sprained disc
• Bulge disc
• Herniated disc
• Fractured vertebrae
• Osteoporosis-related damaged bone

In a majority of the cases, back pain and discomfort go away on their own. However, if the pain is severe or does not improve after three days, you should contact your doctor. If you have other signs, it could be an indication of ankylosing spondylitis, a kind of inflammatory arthritis (AS). Neck and back discomfort, as well as tightness in the lower back, neck, hips, pelvis, and other places, are frequently the initial signs of AS. It usually begins in your late teens or early twenties.

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain

The doctor will evaluate your back and ask you about the severity of your symptoms. They may also assess your ability to sit, move, and stand. This will aid them in determining the source of your discomfort.

Additional tests may be recommended by your doctor to diagnose the source, such as scans with a CT or MRI machine. These scans help examine your bones, discs, tissue, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and ligaments to help diagnose the cause of your back pain.

• X-rays help in the diagnosis and detection of arthritis and damaged bones.
• Electromyography (EMG) – The response of your muscles to electrical signals from your nerves is measured in this test. The test can reveal if nerves in your spine are squeezed or got damaged.
• Blood tests – Diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can damage your back – they can be detected by blood tests.
• Scans of the bones – Your orthopedic doctor may use these scans for back discomfort, although they may be useful in detecting malignancies or osteoporosis-related bone damage.

Dr. Vasudeva will review several treatment options with you after determining the nature of the problem. If you have mild pain or moderate pain without any underlying cause, he may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines or heating pads for mild backaches. Dr. Vasudeva may also recommend prescribed medications, such as opioids, antidepressants, or muscle relaxants, for more severe back pain issues without any structural abnormalities.

Meet Dr. Vasudeva Juvvadi, to gain a better understanding of the cause of your back pain and the best treatment.

How to prepare yourself before visiting a doctor?

Before visiting your doctor, keep a complete medical record of your condition. This will help your doctor thoroughly evaluate your case based on the medical history and appropriately diagnose it. Keep a track of all your problems, including how long they stay, when did they first appear, and where is the spot of discomfort on your body. Other conditions that may be related, such as exhaustion or problems elsewhere in your body, walking difficulties, the numbness should be written down. Such issues should be brought to the notice of the doctor.

Bottom Line

Back pain is the most common illness, and as you get aged, you’re more prone to develop it. In fact, a majority of people in India will have back discomfort at some point during their life. Back discomfort can become persistent in a very small percentage of people.

The good news for those who suffer from back owing to their lifestyle is that they can prevent it from triggering. Stretching, yoga, and strength training on a daily basis can help strengthen back and abdominal muscles – and prevent back pain.

Most bouts of back pain will go away on their own with therapy. You may require medical assistance from your physician in the form of prescribed medicine or injections on occasion. In extremely rare circumstances, surgery may be a possibility.

If you are still wondering as to when to see a doctor for back pain, meet Dr. Vasudeva to know the cause of your back pain and the best possible treatment.