Back Pain Treatment

Back pain treatment in Dubai

Back pain is a very common condition. Though back pain can have serious adverse effects on your overall physical and mental health, it is most frequently ‘simple’ low back pain which is of no long-term concern.

Low back pain is defined as pain occurring between the ribcage and the buttocks. It can also extend into the thighs.

What causes back pain?

The most common causes of back pain recognized by experts are as follows;

Strain

Strain is the most obvious cause of back pain. Strain can be a result of repeated heavy lifting or an abrupt awkward movement. Over-activity can also strain back muscles and spinal ligaments.

Herniated discs (and other degenerative changes)

The spine is made of interlocked vertebrae with discs between the vertebra. Herniated or ruptured discs often result in severe back pain. Facet joints in the back of the spine are also prone to degenerative change and cause back pain. In some cases, structural abnormalities such as an abnormal curvature of the spine, as in scoliosis, may also cause back pain.

Medical problems

Other medical conditions such as kidney infections, infection of the spine, aortic aneurysms may also cause back pain.

Diagnosis for back pain

Physical examination

After studying the symptoms and medical history, a physical examination of the patient is performed. During the physical test, the doctor checks your back for tenderness. Physical examination includes neurological examinations and other tests to determine your muscle strength, reflexes, and walking ability.

Imaging studies

Imaging studies are performed to narrow down the cause of back pain. Some of the imaging technologies are as follows;

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)- These use magnetic fields to provide clear images of the body's internal structures. These scans generate detailed images of bones and soft tissues like muscles, ligaments, or intervertebral discs.
X-ray: x-rays use electromagnetic radiation to show a good picture of the spine. Plain x-rays are not able to detect herniated discs, but they can rule out the other causes of back pain.
CT (computerized tomography) scan: These are used to generate more detailed pictures of the spinal column by taking a series of x-rays from different directions and combining them to create cross-sectional images.
Blood tests: blood and urine tests can help determine the underlying conditions, such as inflammation and infection, causing back pain.
Bone scan: a bone scan is performed in rare cases to look for abnormalities, such as tumors in bone tissue.

Risk factors associated with back pain

The following are factors that might put you at greater risk of developing back pain;

Age: Back pain is more common as we age
Excess weight: One of the leading risk factors that could potentially expose you to back pain is excess body weight
Improper lifting techniques: Back pain can occur if you use your back instead of your legs to lift weights
Pregnancy: Pregnant women often tend to suffer from pain in the back
Diseases: Medical issues such as osteoporosis (if a fracture is sustained) and arthritis also give rise to back pain
Poor physical fitness: Lack of physical activity or exercise can weaken muscles in the abdomen and back and result in pain in the back.
Smoking: Smoking also contributes to back pain. The risk happens to increase with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.

When to see your doctor?

Back pain developed due to a strained muscle or a minor injury is short-lived and can be cured with some exercise and painkillers. However, sometimes it is caused due to other underlying conditions, and it may need medical attention. You must see a doctor for your back pain when the symptoms do not subside over time or if there is:

Very severe pain that does not go away with rest
Swelling on the back
Pain radiating down the legs
Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
Loss of control of bladder or bowel function
Sexual dysfunction
Fever and weight loss
Pain which wakes you at night

Treatment

Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac are often prescribed to control back pain. Other medication options include topical gels, muscle relaxants, and steroid injections.

Physical therapy

Some of the popular therapies which are proved to be effective for curing back pain are as follows;

Acupuncture: acupuncture has been shown to be effective in managing low back pain albeit not for the longer-term
Massage: Massage may help some patients control their back pain
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) involves placing electrodes on your skin near the painful areas to deliver small amounts of electrical stimulation that may eliminate pain

Surgery

Surgery is a last resort treatment and is only done in case of those structural abnormalities which do not respond to non-operative measures.

Why choose Dr. Sherief Elsayed for back pain treatment in Dubai?

Dr. Sherief is the most renowned back pain doctor in Dubai. He is an extensively trained and highly skilled spine surgeon known for exclusively treating patients with spinal conditions. His patient reviews are testimonies to his effective treatment techniques and his caring and comforting approach. To consult Dr.Sherief personally for any spine surgery, please book an appointment.