Dr. Arvind Jayaswal (HOD)
Neck pain is a very common medical condition found in people these days. Neck pain can arise from a number of disorders and diseases of any tissues in the neck. Common neck pain conditions are whiplash, muscular spasm ,a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve.
Symptoms of Neck Pain:
Causes of Neck Pain:
TREATMENT:
There are a number of neck pain management treatment options that help reduce neck pain, which include the following after proper investigation and clinical evaluation
Back Pain:
Pain in the lower back (lumbago) is particularly common, although it can be felt anywhere along the spine – from the neck down to the hips. In most cases the pain isn’t caused by anything serious and will usually get better over time. There are things you can do to help relieve it. But sometimes the pain can last a long time or keep coming back.
Back pain commonly stems from strain, tension, or injury.
Causes of Back Pain are:
Activities that can lead to strains or spasms include:
Treatment:
Back pain usually resolves with rest and home remedies, but sometimes medical treatment is necessary.
Home treatments
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication, usually nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, can relieve discomfort. Applying a hot compress or an ice pack to the painful area may also reduce pain.
Medical treatment
If home treatments do not relieve back pain, a doctor may recommend the following medication, physical therapy, or both.
Medication: Back pain that does not respond well to OTC painkillers may require a prescription NSAID. Codeine or hydrocodone, which are narcotics, may be prescribed for short periods. These require close monitoring by the doctor. In some cases, muscle relaxants may be used.
Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, may be prescribed, but research is ongoing at to their effectiveness, and the evidence is conflicting.
Physical therapy: Applying heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation — as well as some muscle-release techniques to the back muscles and soft tissues — may help alleviate pain.
As the pain improves, the physical therapist may introduce some flexibility and strength exercises for the back and abdominal muscles. Techniques for improving posture may also help.
The patient will be encouraged to practice the techniques regularly, even after the pain has gone, to prevent back pain recurrence.
Steroid injections: If other options are not effective, these may be injected into the epidural space, around the spinal cord. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory drug so it helps reduce inflammation around the nerve roots. Injections may also be used to numb areas thought to be causing the pain.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help manage chronic back pain by encouraging new ways of thinking. It may include relaxation techniques and ways of maintaining a positive attitude. Studies have found that patients with CBT tend to become more active and do exercise, resulting in a lower risk of back pain recurrence.
Dr. Ankur Goswami did his MS in Orthopaedics from Assam Medical College. He has done his Senior Rese ...
Dr. Arvind Jayaswal is a renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon and Head of the Department of Spine Surgery. H ...
Dr. Abhishek Srivastava is a surgeon with special interest in Spine Surgery. He has gained extensive ...