Low Back Ache/Radiculopathy - Dr.Shantanu Shubham

Low Back Ache: Understanding the Symptoms, Causes, and Backache Relief Options

Dr Shantanu Shubham is the Best neurologist in Purnea, Bihar. He also gives treatment for Low Back ache Radiculopathy. http://purneaneuroclinic.com/low-back-ache-radiculopathy/

Low back pain, also known as Lumbago, is a common health condition that affects people of all ages. It is often characterized by a dull or sharp ache in the lower back region, either on one side or on both sides. The pain can range from mild to severe and can last for a few days, weeks, or even several months. While most cases of low back pain can be treated with rest, medications, and lifestyle changes, some may require more advanced treatment to provide effective backache relief. Dr. Shantanu Shubham, a well-known orthopaedic surgeon, provides expert guidance on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for low back pain and radiculopathy.

Symptoms of Low Back Pain and Radiculopathy

Low back pain can present itself in different ways depending upon the underlying cause. The most common symptoms of low back pain include:

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• Localized pain: The pain is primarily concentrated in the lower back area and can be felt on one side or both sides of the back.
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• Stiffness: The back muscles may feel stiff and difficult to move, resulting in restricted mobility.
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• Numbness and tingling: The person may experience numbness or tingling sensations in the lower extremities, including the legs, toes, and feet.
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• Weakness: The person may feel a loss of strength in one or both legs, making it challenging to walk or stand.
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• Burning sensation: The person may experience a burning sensation at the site of the pain.
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• Inability to stand or sit for long periods: Sitting or standing for extended periods can aggravate the low back pain.
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Causes of Low Back Pain and Radiculopathy

The most common causes of low back pain and radiculopathy include:

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• Herniated Disc: The intervertebral discs cushion the bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine, and when the outer layer of the disc ruptures or cracks, the gel-like material inside can leak out applying pressure on the nearby nerves and causing pain.
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• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal resulting in pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves can cause low back pain.
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• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra in the spine slides out of position relative to the adjacent bone can cause lower back pain.
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• Osteoarthritis: The breakdown of cartilage on the joints can cause bone rubbing on bone, leading to low back pain and stiffness.
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• Sciatica: Irritation of the sciatic nerve in the lower back is a common cause of radiating pain down the leg, which may accompany low back pain.
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• Muscle or ligament strain: Lifting heavy weights or sudden movements can lead to muscles and ligaments stretching beyond their limits resulting in strains to surrounding tissues, leading to low back pain.
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• Obesity: Excessive weight places a strain on the lower back muscles and spinal discs, leading to chronic low back pain.
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• Poor posture: Sitting in an uncomfortable or unsupported position for an extended period can lead to low back pain and muscle strain.
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Backache Relief: Treatment Options for Low Back Pain and Radiculopathy

The treatment of low back pain and radiculopathy depends on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of the pain. Dr. Shantanu Shubham suggests the following treatment options for alleviating low back pain and providing backache relief:

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• Physical therapy: Specific exercises and stretches recommended by a physical therapist can help strengthen the back muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain and inflammation.
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• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, while muscle relaxants can help alleviate muscle spasms that may cause low back pain.
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• Injections: Injection of corticosteroids and local anaesthetics can help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling in the lower back region.
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• Surgery: In severe cases of low back pain or radiculopathy, surgical intervention may be the best option. Discectomy, laminectomy, and spinal fusion are some of the surgical procedures used to treat low back pain.
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• Lifestyle changes: Simple changes like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding sitting or standing in a single position for long, adopting a good posture, quitting smoking, and regularly exercising can help prevent low back pain from recurring.
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Radiculopathy Treatment

Radiculopathy refers to the irritation, compression, or inflammation of the spinal nerve roots that can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations in the arms or legs. The treatment of radiculopathy depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some of the treatment options for radiculopathy recommended by Dr. Shantanu Shubham:

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• Physical therapy - Like in the case of low back pain, physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms of radiculopathy, improve mobility and reduce the need for medications.
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• Medications – Mild to moderate pain caused by radiculopathy can be treated with painkillers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants. Anti-seizure medications and antidepressants also help to control chronic pain caused by radiculopathy.
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• Spinal injections - Epidural steroid injections directly into the spinal cord can help reduce inflammation and swelling, thereby reducing pain and discomfort.
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• Surgery – Surgery is an option for those with severe radiculopathy. Procedures like Discectomy, foraminotomy, and spinal fusion are used to provide relief from symptoms.
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• In conclusion, low back pain, and radiculopathy are common conditions that can affect quality of life. While most cases can be treated with simple lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medications, severe or chronic cases may require surgical intervention providing backache relief. Consulting an orthopaedic surgeon like Dr. Shantanu Shubham, who specializes in managing back pain and musculoskeletal disorders, can help diagnose and treat the condition effectively.
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