When it is more than just a backache
Almost everyone complains of a backache at some point in their life. In fact, it is one of the leading reasons for people to visit their doctor. In most cases, the pain is related to a person’s lifestyle or is a muscle pull that can be resolved easily. However, there are a few times when a backache can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, particularly if the person is older than 65 years or younger than 10 years.
CONDITIONS THAT CAN GIVE YOU A BACKACHE
Physical/mechanical causes linked to the spine or back muscles.
Inflammatory causes as in certain types of arthritis.
Cancer-related causes as in cancers of the bone marrow, colon, rectum, ovary or those that have spread (metastasised).
Infection-related causes, which is from a bacterial infection of the spine, discs or joints between the spine and pelvis.
BACK PAIN AND RED FLAGS
Not every backache is indicative of something serious. One way to tell the difference between what may or may not be serious is to look for red flags which include:
Pain for more than three weeks.
Pain accompanied by fever. Pain radiating to the legs. Pain along with unexplained weight loss.
Weakness or an inability to walk because of back pain.
Lack of sleep because of
■ back pain.
Numbness or weakness in
■ the leg accompanying back pain.
Trouble in controlling
■ bladder or bowel movements along with back pain.
These red flags often point to an underlying medical condition that cannot be treated at home but requires specialist intervention. Patients who experience these symptoms should immediately consult their doctor.
In most cases of temporary backache brought on by lifestylerelated causes, treatment often comprises only physiotherapy, posture correction and/or medication. When diagnosed in time, less than 5% of people require surgical intervention. Spine surgery is usually safe, successful and sometimes involves minimally invasive microscopic surgery.
I do not want readers to worry that they have a serious illness every time their back hurts. However, today on World Spine Day, it is important to remind ourselves to listen to our body – and to backaches. In almost every situation, getting the necessary medical attention and diagnosing a condition early are linked to a better chance of complete recovery or management.
This article is by Dr Vishal Kundnani, a Consultant Spinal Surgeon, who specialises in minimal invasive spine surgery and navigation robotic spine surgery. He currently heads the Spine Clinic at Bombay Hospital.