Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Advanced Treatment
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide and a leading cause of reduced productivity, poor quality of life, and long-term disability—especially in India, where sedentary lifestyles, long screen hours, and poor posture are increasingly common. While many people dismiss back pain as temporary, persistent or recurrent back pain can be a sign of an underlying neurological or spinal condition that requires expert evaluation. Early diagnosis and the right treatment approach can prevent complications and long-term nerve damage. Choosing the right expert is crucial for accurate diagnosis and long-term relief. Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani, the best Back Pain Specialist in Faridabad and a leading Pain Specialist in Faridabad, offers advanced, evidence-based solutions tailored to each patient’s condition.
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain refers to discomfort or pain affecting any part of the spine, including:
- Upper back (thoracic region)
- Lower back (lumbar region) – the most commonly affected area
- Pain that may radiate to the legs or arms
Back pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting more than 3 months) and may involve muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, or nerves.
Common Causes of Back Pain
- Muscle Strain & Ligament Injury
One of the most frequent causes, often due to:
- Sudden heavy lifting
- Incorrect posture
- Prolonged sitting or bending
- Lack of physical activity
- Slip Disc (Disc Herniation)
A slipped or herniated disc occurs when the soft inner portion of a spinal disc bulges or leaks, pressing on nearby nerves.
This is a major neurological cause of chronic back pain, often associated with leg pain (sciatica).
- Degenerative Spine Conditions
Age-related wear and tear can lead to:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint arthritis
- Spinal instability
These conditions commonly affect middle-aged and elderly individuals.
- Nerve Compression
Compression of spinal nerves can cause:
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness in limbs
This often requires evaluation by a neurologist.
- Poor Posture & Lifestyle Factors
- Long desk hours
- Excessive mobile phone usage
- Weak core muscles
- Obesity
These factors significantly contribute to chronic back pain in younger adults.
- Trauma or Injury
- Road accidents
- Falls
- Sports injuries
Even minor trauma can cause nerve involvement if left untreated.
Symptoms of Back Pain You Should Not Ignore
While mild back pain may resolve on its own, seek medical attention if you experience:
- Persistent pain lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Pain radiating to one or both legs
- Tingling, numbness, or burning sensation
- Weakness in legs or difficulty walking
- Pain worsening at night or at rest
- Loss of bladder or bowel control (medical emergency)
These symptoms may indicate nerve compression or spinal cord involvement.
When Back Pain Becomes a Neurological Problem
Back pain becomes a neurological concern when it involves nerve roots or the spinal cord. Conditions like:
- Slip disc
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
require expert neurological evaluation to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Diagnosis of Back Pain
Clinical Evaluation
A detailed neurological examination helps assess:
- Reflexes
- Muscle strength
- Sensory changes
- Gait and balance
Imaging & Tests (If Required)
- MRI spine
- CT scan
- X-rays
- Nerve conduction studies
These tests help identify the exact cause and guide treatment.
Treatment Options for Back Pain
- Conservative Management
Most back pain cases improve with:
- Activity modification
- Posture correction
- Pain-relief medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Neurology-Guided Medical Treatment
For nerve-related pain:
- Neuropathic pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory therapy
- Targeted treatment based on diagnosis
- Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
A structured physiotherapy program helps:
- Strengthen core muscles
- Improve flexibility
- Reduce recurrence of pain
- Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight management
- Ergonomic workstation setup
- Regular stretching
- Avoiding prolonged sitting
- Advanced Pain Management (If Needed)
In selected cases:
- Nerve blocks
- Injection-based pain relief
- Multidisciplinary management
Why Early Treatment of Back Pain Is Important
Ignoring back pain can lead to:
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Reduced mobility
- Permanent nerve damage
- Dependence on painkillers
Early intervention ensures:
- Faster recovery
- Better long-term outcomes
- Reduced need for invasive procedures
Role of a Neurologist in Back Pain Management
A neurologist focuses on:
- Identifying nerve involvement
- Preventing neurological complications
- Long-term pain control
- Avoiding unnecessary surgery
This is especially important for chronic, radiating, or unexplained back pain.
About Dr. Kunal Bahrani
Dr. Kunal Bahrani is a highly experienced neurologist with special expertise in managing back pain, slip disc, sciatica, and nerve-related spinal conditions. His approach emphasizes accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and long-term patient well-being.
Patients value his:
- Clear explanations
- Ethical medical advice
- Focus on non-surgical management whenever possible
When Should You Consult Dr. Kunal Bahrani for Back Pain?
You should seek expert neurological consultation if:
- Back pain is persistent or worsening
- Pain radiates to limbs
- There is numbness or weakness
- Previous treatments have failed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the most common cause of back pain?
Muscle strain and poor posture are common, but nerve-related causes are frequent in chronic cases.
- Can back pain be due to nerve damage?
Yes. Nerve compression from slip disc or spinal issues is a major cause.
- Is MRI necessary for back pain?
Not always. MRI is advised when pain persists or neurological symptoms are present.
- Can back pain be cured without surgery?
Most cases improve with medical treatment, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
- How long does back pain take to recover?
Acute pain may resolve in weeks; chronic pain requires structured treatment.
- Which doctor should I consult for chronic back pain?
A neurologist is ideal if nerve involvement is suspected.
- Is bed rest good for back pain?
Prolonged bed rest is not recommended; controlled activity is better.
- Can physiotherapy help back pain?
Yes, it is one of the most effective long-term treatments.
Chronic back pain can significantly affect your mobility, productivity, and overall quality of life—but the right specialist can make all the difference. As the best Back Pain Specialist in Faridabad and a trusted Pain Specialist in Faridabad, Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani combines clinical excellence, advanced pain-management techniques, and a patient-centric approach to deliver long-lasting relief. With accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and evidence-based interventions, Dr. Bahrani focuses not just on relieving pain, but on restoring function and helping patients return to an active, pain-free life. If back pain is limiting your daily routine, expert care under Dr. Kunal Bahrani can be the turning point toward lasting recovery.