Back pain shows no discrimination, affecting people of all ages and walks of life. It is estimated that 80% of the population will at some point experience back pain. For many, back pain is short-lived and can be managed at home with simple protocols. However, there are cases where back pain will continue to worsen and can become painful and debilitating if left untreated.
Causes of back pain:
- Injury
- Disc degeneration
- Strained muscle
- Ruptured disk
- Obesity
- Poor Posture
Back pain can be acute, pain that lasts a short time, or it can be chronic, pain lasting for three months or longer. If your back pain has continued for more than three weeks and your pain is constant and keeps you from participating in your usual activities or interrupts your sleep, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your physician. Your doctor can help determine the cause of your pain and create a treatment tailored to your individualized needs.
Tips to help your back pain:
- Alternate ice and heat on the injured area for no more than 20 minutes.
- Approaches such as acupuncture and physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms.
- Over-the-counter medication can reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to engage in activities that can help your healing, such as exercise and walking.
- Warm up or stretch before exercising or participating in physical activity.
- Lift with your knees, keeping items close to your body, and avoid twisting.
- Maintain proper posture.
- Eat foods that fight inflammation, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
Pain management options are available that can help reduce or eliminate back pain including interventional injection therapies, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Most individuals will heal without the need for surgery. Surgery is only recommended when other conservative methods have failed to eliminate the symptoms.
If you are experiencing back pain, Dr. Ramesh Chandra has extensive experience in helping patients relieve back pain and get back to the activities they enjoy. Contact CFOSM for an appointment today!
Dr. Ramesh Chandra has been practicing orthopaedic surgery in the Washington DC Metropolitan area since 1984. The Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is easily accessed from anywhere in the Washington DC metropolitan area, with offices located in Falls Church, Reston/Herndon, and Tysons Corner.
