Non Specific Low Back Pain and Beyond

Around 3 in 5 people in India suffer from back pain on an average. While most of the time the back pain issue is not serious, the cause is not known many a times. When such pain occurs, it is known as non -specific pain and only painkillers are used to ease it while continuing routine activities as usual. This kind of pain generally disappears within 5-6 weeks but there is every possibility of it reoccurring. Sometimes the pain reoccurs on a regular basis. This is when further treatment is required.

CAUSES
As mentioned before there is no particular cause due to which non-specific low back pain occurs. But, the possible cause could be a ligament or a muscle sprain. Other causes include minor issues with the small facet joint in between the two vertebrae or minor issues with the spinal disc. The problems could also be due to lower back tissues and structure related as well. Hence, even when you try to do a test to find out the cause, it is not detectable and hence even the doctor is not able to do the exact diagnosis.

Many of you might be worried when there is no definite diagnosis because you are not aware of the exact course of treatment as well, but some of the optimistic souls feel good because they know that it is not a major condition but a minor non-specific condition that is treatable.

SYMPTOMS
Low back pain of non-specific type could be a result of either lifting some heavy object or an irregular movement that causes a twist or sometimes nothing at all. The pain just starts one fine day or morning in the lower back area and might spread to the thighs and buttocks over a period of time. Lying down or resting for a while can help the back pain with ease. This pain can occur on and off for some time but if it occurs for many months then it needs further diagnosis and treatment because it is termed chronic pain. So, if you experience the symptoms like the ones given below then it’s better to consult your doctor for chronic pain.
• Pain starts with less pain but aggravates over a few days to weeks
• A pain that is constant and does not subside even after lying down or resting
• Leg or feet muscles feel weak
• Experience a numbness in the leg
Well, as far as non-specific pain is concerned it does keep coming and going but does not persist for a long duration hence, it’s your call to take action if the pain is long lasting and reach out to your doctor for chronic pain diagnosis and treatment.

Department of Orthopaedics at Vydehi Hospital is full fledged and has all the facilities to treat the patients with Orthopaedic problems.