Treatment Options for Low Back Pain and Sciatica

From: The New Indian Express

HYDERABAD: Low back pain has become a common problem today affecting people from all age groups and both genders. If not treated properly in a timely fashion it can progress and make life very  difficult for the patient. There are multiple causes for the back pain and it increases in stages. For successful treatment and relief from pain the correct stage of the problem has to be identified and latest advanced treatments have to be offered.
First stage

Initially pain can be because of the weakness of the muscles, when we do any work or activity which is beyond our normal then pain or discomfort will start which may resolve with rest. This gradually progresses to – a stage when there is no relief with rest.
Second Stage:
In this stage the Spine starts degenerating. Due to that even the regular daily activities become painful, the movements become reduced and can be associated with sounds.
Third stage:
In this stage the discs in between the bones are degenerated and gets squeezed to the side and can compress/Irritate the nerves leading to increased pain in the back, Tingling or Numbness in the legs, Pulling sensation of legs, Pins and needles sensation and in extreme cases there can be pain shooting from the back to the leg. In some people due to the degenerated joints between the back bones there can be stiffness of the back when you wake up in the morning which can get a little better with some activity. Pain in such cases is increased with movements. In some cases the pain in the legs can come while walking and patients tend to bend forward while walking. They will need to sit or stop for the pain to subside and can walk some more and the pain starts again requiring the patient to stop or sit again.
Last stage:
In this stage the pressure on the nerves is high leading to the damaging of nerve resulting in weakness of legs, thinning of muscle, loss of control over Urine and Stools.
Other Causes:
There are various other causes for back pain like Injuries, Infections and cancers.
Treatment Options:

At Active Spine care every patient is given personalized care and a great emphasis is placed on the proper diagnosis and then a treatment protocol is arrived and best possible treatment is offered. For best results in  pine problems we have a team based approach- Spine Surgeons, Interventional Pain Physician, Expert Manual therapists and Exercise therapists working together at our clinics for patient’s benefit. The treatment is planned depending on the stage of the problem. To determine the stage through clinical examination and tests are conducted. In Early stages-Stage specific medicines and Expert Sport Physiotherapy with latest techniques, Exercise therapy  are used to treat the problem and arrest the further progression of the problem and in the third stage Special Spine injections are used to  treat the problem,
Patients in the Last stage or in patients in third stage who don’t respond properly to other treatments may require surgery. At most care is taken for proper selection of patients before offering surgery so that only the patients who absolutely require surgery and who  will benefit the most from surgery are offered surgery Surgery is  performed by well trained professionals with the latest and most advanced techniques and  technologie  for the best results and minimal complications. With this Active Spine Care has been achieving consistent results with both Non- Surgical and Surgical treatments.
Myths about pain in the spine
Myth 1: once pain starts in the spine one has to live with it all through the life..! The notion is not correct If causes for the pain and its phases are detected properly and the patient is treated according to the stage, the patient can get rid of  pain and can lead a happy life.
Myth 2: Those who are having the pain should be on medication  all through the life..! The notion is not correct Prolonged use of pain killers could be harmful. Using them will give only temporary relief. Using them over a  long period of time  an cause Kidney are Liver failure. Hence the patient should undergo scientific treatment for a lasting solution.
Myth 3: Traditional health care systems (Homoeo, Ayurveda) will be able to find permanent solution The notion is not correct There is no scientific proof that they work. Certain drugs are being mixed with steroids to give quick relief to patient. But, these substances will cause harmful side effects.
Myth 4: Spinal problems should not be surgically treated. The notion is not correct Surgery performed on the right patient for right reason before it is too late has got excellent results. The complications can be scaled down to the lowest level if experts conduct the operation using the most modern technological devices.
Myth 5: Surgical treatment can be put off indefinitely. The notion is not correct Once nerves develop weakness or get paralyzed the chances of patient’s full recovery are rare. Postponing surgery will cause irreparable loss to patient.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/Treatment-Options-for-Low-Back-Pain-and-Sciatica/2016/02/16/article3278940.ece