Back Pain
Back pain is a very common problem. Most of us have experienced back pain at some point in our lives. It can be of acute onset lasting from few days to weeks or it can be a chronic problem lasting months It can happen due to a multitude of causes and usually recovers with adequate rest and time; but in certain situations back pain can be due to a problem for which consulting a doctor could be helpful
Various factors can be related to back pain like
- Age : As we grow older there is a generalised loss in bone strength and muscle mass along with some wear and tear (degeneration) in the discs between two vertebrae. The purpose of the disc is to provide flexibility to our spine. But as we grow older they tend to become less flexible and can be one of the factors related to back pain.
- Posture : Having a proper posture is very important in properly balancing our spine and to evenly distribute the load on the spine. It includes both sitting as well as standing posture. People who tend to slouch have a higher incidence of back pain. Posture not only affects back pain but is also related to development of neck pain.
- Physical fitness / lifestyle : Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercises can lead to decreased tone of muscles and can also lead to weight gain and obesity. If our core muscles are not exercised regularly then it adds to the stress on our spine, which can cause back pain.
- Smoking : It has been shown in various studies that smoking causes early degeneration (wear and tear) of discs thereby increasing the probability of having back pain due to degenerated discs.
- Obesity : indirectly affects the spine by putting extra load on to the spine. Obesity is usually associated with poor abdominal muscle tone which can be a contributing factor to back pain.
- Occupational hazards : Back pain is more common in individuals involved in heavy work such as lifting and pulling heavy objects.
- Genetics : This is also a contributing factor in certain situations like early degeneration (wear and tear) of discs and arthritis of the spine.
- Osteoporosis : can also cause back pain as it affects the bony architecture
Specific causes of back pain include
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD) : It’s a very common cause related to back pain. It basically means loss of flexibility of the discs, which act as cushions between the adjacent vertebrae. It can be age related or due to smoking, occupation/lifestyle or even genetics.
- Slipped disc / Herniated disc (Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc) : this is caused by a tear in the outer portion of the disc due to which the inner gelatinous material leaks out causing irritation of the nerves thereby causing back pain and radiating leg pain or sciatica. In severe cases it can cause weakness in leg muscles and numbness.
- Sciatica : It is the term used for radiating hip and leg pain associated with tingling and numbness along the course of the sciatic nerve, which is a major nerve of the leg supplying all the muscles and skin over the thigh and leg.
- Spinal stenosis : this is a condition in which the space for the spinal cord and the nerves leaving the spine gets narrowed thereby causing irritation of the nerves. Clinically it causes decreased efficiency of the involved nerves which results in fatigue symptoms in the legs like calf pain, numbness in legs and feet after walking for a long distances (claudication). It is commonly age related and caused by height loss of discs with bulging (degeneration), thickening of ligaments around the spinal cord and arthritic changes in the small joints of the back (facet joints).
- Spondylitis : It is inflammation of the joints of the back which can lead to chronic back pain. Common causes include rheumatological problems, infection.
- Instability back pain : It happens when the spine (back) is not stable at one of the segments due to which there is extra mobility at that level causing back pain. It happens when along with degeneration of the disc there is arthritis of the small joints of the back (facet joints) affecting the stability of the spine at that level.
- Back pain due to injuries of the spine like fractures or ligament injuries.
- Osteoporotic compression fractures : Back pain can occur due to osteoporosis which commonly affects the spine or vertebrae. It results in weakness of the bones and they can become very soft. Even minor injury can cause the soft bone to collapse on itself resulting in a compression fracture.
Diagnosis
Evaluating your back pain is very important for its proper diagnosis and accordingly tailoring the treatment. Your doctor will help you in the diagnosis with a proper clinical history and medical examination and if required certain investigations.
Investigations commonly done to evaluate the source of back pain include :
- X-rays : Most common investigation ordered. Ideally standing X rays are more important and in certain situation your doctor might even ask for forward and backward bending X rays.
- MRI : It is ordered to clearly evaluate the status of spinal cord and nerves, whether they are compressed or not and also to evaluate the overall structure of the spine. It involves magnetic and radio waves with no exposure to radiation. It takes around 30 to 45 minutes for the complete study and patients who are uncomfortable with closed spaces should clearly mention it to their doctor.
- EMG/NCV (Muscle and nerve conduction studies) : This test is sometimes advised by your doctor to see the functioning of muscles and nerves. It involves placing small needles in specific muscles and passing a low grade electric impulse through it. It can also differentiate between pinching of the nerve in the spine or somewhere else.
- CT : It is sometimes advised by your doctor to get a better picture of bones and joints.
- DEXA Scan : This test is advised to grade the status of osteoporosis and accordingly planning the treatment.
Treatment Options
Based on the diagnosis and cause of back pain treatment is tailored. Overall for most types of back pain conservative therapy is the first line of treatment and surgery is limited to those patients who have a structural or a surgically correctable problem and have failed trials of other treatment with no relief.
Conservative Treatment
It is the first line of treatment for most types of back pain. In acute onset low back pain with spasm of back muscles rest is initially advised for a few days. Long-term rest is not recommended as it further de-conditions the back muscles.
Other modalities include
- Pain Medications : They are sometimes given for short durations to control the pain. Sometimes combination of painkillers with muscle relaxants is advised. It is not recommended to take these medicines for a longer duration as they have many side effects.
- Physical Therapy : This is the mainstay of conservative therapy for managing back pain both of short and long durations. It basically involves strengthening the core muscles. They are the main muscles which support the back. Its normally recommended to start physiotherapy in a graded manner depending on ones capability. Different regimens are followed based on the indication and mostly done under the vigilance of a trained physiotherapist in the beginning and then followed regularly at home for long lasting benefits.
- Activity / Lifestyle Modifications : This constitutes an important part of the management. Maintaining proper posture is very important for evenly distributing the load to the spine. When at workplace proper ergonomic considerations should be made. Brisk walking is advisable for endurance training. If comfortable with swimming then it is considered to be a complete whole body work up.
- Behavioural modifications like healthy diet, quitting smoking and getting regular sleep.
- Weight Control / Obesity Management : This is an important aspect as it reduces the load coming on to the spine and also has indirect advantage of improving cardiovascular fitness.
- Spinal Injections : In some situations certain type of spinal injection can be of help for reducing the back pain and disability associated with it and before starting graded physiotherapy.
- Alternative Therapies : like TENS, Pilates, Acupuncture and Acupressure.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is rarely the first choice of treatment when managing back pain. Your doctor might advise you surgery if pain is not responding to conservative options and is affecting your sleep or daily activities. In certain situations before going ahead with surgery your doctor might advise for some diagnostic spinal injections to localize the source of pain and to determine whether surgery would benefit in such conditions.
Common medical conditions that might require surgery include :
- Slipped disc / herniated disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Instability back pain (Spondylolisthesis)
- Vertebral fractures
Your doctor will help in deciding which option is best for you depending on the specific circumstances after having a good discussion with you.
Understanding the Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can arise from multiple causes, from daily habits to serious spinal conditions. Our team of lower back specialist doctors evaluates the root cause before starting any treatment.
Common triggers of back pain include :
- Poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle
- Disc degeneration or slipped discs
- Spinal stenosis, where nerves are compressed
- Injuries or trauma, including fractures or ligament tears
- Inflammatory conditions like spondylitis or arthritis
- Osteoporosis or spinal instability
An early consultation with a lower back orthopedic doctor near me ensures that these issues are diagnosed before they lead to long-term complications. Our experienced orthopedic back surgeons use advanced diagnostics and personalized evaluations to identify the best course of action for every patient.
When to See a Lower Back Specialist
Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Seeing back orthopedic doctor near me early can help prevent serious spine problems. If you experience any of the following, it’s time to consult a specialist:
- Persistent back pain lasting more than 2 weeks
- Pain radiating to the legs or accompanied by tingling
- Weakness in your legs or difficulty standing
- Back pain following an injury or accident
- Limited mobility and stiffness
- Night pain that affects your sleep
Our orthopedic back specialists assess each patient using X-rays, MRIs, and EMG studies, and recommend only necessary and targeted treatments. The goal? To restore your mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.
Advanced Back Pain Treatments from Experts
Our spine clinic offers comprehensive treatment solutions—from conservative care to complex surgery, managed by a top orthopaedic surgeon back specialist.
Non-Surgical Treatments Include :
- Pain relief medication to control acute symptoms
- Customized physical therapy programs to strengthen core muscles
- Posture and ergonomic guidance
- Weight and lifestyle management support
- Spinal injections, like epidurals or nerve blocks
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure
We also offer minimally invasive procedures for faster recovery and less downtime. If you're looking for the right back orthopedic specialist, we’re here to help with care plans that work around your lifestyle.
Surgical Expertise in Complex Spine Conditions
When conservative measures don’t provide relief, our highly trained orthopedic back surgeons step in to offer advanced surgical solutions. Surgery is always the last resort—but when it’s needed, we ensure it’s done with the highest precision.
Surgical options include :
- Microdiscectomy for herniated discs
- Spinal decompression for stenosis
- Spinal fusion for instability
- Vertebroplasty for osteoporotic fractures
Our surgical team is led by a top spine specialist doctor in mumbai with expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery. If you're searching for a reliable orthopedic back specialist or back orthopedic doctors near me, you're in safe hands at our center.
Real-Life Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Many people dismiss early symptoms of back pain until it severely disrupts their lives. If you’re unsure when to seek expert help, here are clear signs it’s time to consult a lower back orthopedic doctor near me:
- Difficulty standing, sitting, or walking for long periods
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Weakness in your lower limbs
- Pain that persists despite rest or home remedies
Ignoring these symptoms could lead to worsening spinal issues. Our orthopedic back specialists are trained to detect and treat spine conditions before they become chronic.
Meet Our Team of Back Specialists
Our spine care team consists of lower back specialist doctors, orthopedic back surgeons, and physical therapists who work together to provide a 360° approach to healing. With a focus on evidence-based treatments, we ensure every patient gets personalized attention and long-term solutions.
Whether you need diagnostic testing, pain management, or post-surgical rehab, you’ll find the right expert under one roof.
Dr. Kapil Mohan
Speciality: Orthopaedics
Designation: Adult and Paediatric Spine Surgeon
Location: Thane
Dr. Subodh Mehta
Speciality: Orthopedic surgeon
Designation: Adult and Paediatric Spine Surgeon
Location: Thane
Technology-Driven Spine Diagnostics
Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of successful spine treatment. Our backbone specialist doctor near you uses cutting-edge diagnostic technology to detect the root cause of your back pain with precision. Instead of simply treating symptoms, we focus on the underlying structural or neurological issues affecting your spine.
We offer:
- Digital X-rays (standing and motion views): To assess spinal alignment and posture in real-time
- High-resolution MRI scans: To evaluate disc herniation, nerve compression, ligament integrity, and soft tissue inflammation
- EMG/NCV testing: Measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves to detect pinched or damaged nerves
- CT Scans: For detailed images of spinal bones, especially useful in trauma cases or suspected fractures
- DEXA (Bone Density) Scans: Critical for detecting early-stage osteoporosis and vertebral compression risks
By combining these diagnostic tools, our orthopedic back surgeons ensure a personalized and effective care plan tailored to each patient’s unique spinal condition.
Lifestyle & Posture Correction Plans
Back pain often stems from daily habits, and if not corrected, these habits can lead to chronic issues. That’s why our team of back orthopedic specialists prioritizes functional rehabilitation through lifestyle adjustments and posture training.
We guide patients with:
- Personalized ergonomic assessments: From desk setup to sleep posture, we provide practical, real-world corrections
- Posture strengthening routines: Tailored exercises that support spinal alignment and reduce stress on your lower back
- Fitness recommendations: Low-impact exercises like brisk walking, swimming, yoga, and Pilates to build core strength and improve flexibility
- Breathing and mindfulness techniques: To relieve tension and improve postural awareness throughout the day
- Nutritional advice: Spine-friendly diets rich in calcium and vitamin D, along with weight loss support for obese patients
Our holistic approach, guided by experienced lower back orthopedic doctors near me, reduces recurrence and builds sustainable spinal health for life.
Post-Treatment Support & Follow-Ups
Your journey doesn’t end after your procedure or therapy. That’s when recovery truly begins. We believe in continuous care and provide comprehensive support long after treatment ends, ensuring you regain full function and confidence in your movement.
Our post-treatment care includes :
- Routine follow-up consultations with your lower back specialist doctors to track progress
- Digital monitoring tools and outcome-based assessment systems to measure your recovery in real-time
- Therapy adjustments based on how your body responds, ensuring the treatment remains effective and personalized
- Guided return-to-activity programs, helping you transition safely back to work, travel, or fitness routines
- Rehabilitation coaching for long-term spine maintenance, including stretching and strengthening guides
This commitment to full-circle recovery is what makes our back orthopedic doctors near me a trusted choice for patients seeking not just treatment, but transformation.
Why Choose Us for Your Spine Care?
Choosing the right spine care provider is critical to your healing journey, and we’re proud to be a top-rated destination for lower back specialist doctors in Mumbai and Thane.
Here’s why patients choose us :
- A team of highly qualified and internationally trained orthopedic back specialists
- Expertise in both non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments
- On-site diagnostic imaging for faster, more accurate assessments
- A holistic care model that includes rehab, ergonomics, lifestyle support, and mental well-being
- Transparent consultations and evidence-based treatment strategies
- Exceptional patient outcomes and satisfaction ratings
If you're looking for compassionate, expert care from a back orthopedic specialist, our clinic offers everything you need to feel confident in your spine health journey.
Don’t let back pain take over your life. With support from trusted lower back specialist doctors, you can return to your daily activities without limitations. Whether you're looking for orthopedic back surgeons for a second opinion or seeking non-surgical relief from a back orthopedic specialist, we're here to help.