Back Pain: Causes, Diagnosis

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor and is a leading contributor to disability worldwide. At Phalke Neuro, we specialize in diagnosing and treating back pain using advanced neurology and spine care protocols rooted in precision and personalized support.

What Is Back Pain?

Back pain refers to discomfort arising from the spine, muscles, ligaments, or nerves in the back. It may be acute (lasting under six weeks) or chronic (lasting three months or more), and can significantly impact daily functioning.

 

Symptoms to Watch For

Common symptoms include:

  • Muscle aches, stabbing, shooting, or burning sensations
  • Pain radiating down the legs, often worsened by bending or standing
  • Stiffness, difficulty moving, or standing
  • In severe cases: numbness, weakness, or bladder/bowel issues—which require immediate medical attention.

Causes & Risk Factors

Back pain can result from multiple issues:

  • Muscle or ligament strain
  • Bulging or ruptured discs (herniated discs)
  • Arthritis or spinal joint degeneration
  • Osteoporosis leading to vertebral fractures
  • Poor posture, obesity, smoking, age, and lack of exercise all raise the risk of back pain.

 

Diagnosis at Phalke Neuro

At Phalke Neuro, our neurologists follow a comprehensive diagnostic workflow:

  1. Clinical & Neurological Examination – Evaluates posture, reflexes, muscle strength, and mobility.
  2. Imaging & Tests – MRI and CT scans help pinpoint causes like disc issues or spinal degeneration. Nerve conduction studies may be used for precise nerve involvement assessment.

 

Treatment Options

Conservative Care (First Line)

The majority of back pain responds well to non-surgical techniques:

  • Medications: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, pain relievers
  • Physical therapy: Tailored exercises to strengthen core muscles and correct posture. Methods like the McKenzie Technique are often incorporated.
  • Lifestyle modification: Ergonomic guidance, weight management, smoking cessation, and regular low-impact activity like walking or swimming.
  • Supportive therapies: Heat therapy, massage, and potentially TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) where appropriate.

Interventional & Minimally Invasive Approaches

When conservative care is not enough:

  • Epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks provide targeted pain relief.
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be used to disrupt pain-transmitting nerves, offering relief lasting from months to years in some cases.

Surgical Options

Reserved for persistent or severe cases:

  • Endoscopic spine surgery, including discectomy or decompression, offers faster recovery, smaller incisions, and reduced postoperative pain. Patients often walk within hours after surgery.
  • Additional options include laminectomy, spinal fusion, and artificial disc replacement tailored to individual spinal pathology.

 

Why Choose Phalke Neuro for Back Pain Care?

  • Expert Multidisciplinary Team – Neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiotherapists, and pain specialists collaborate to deliver integrated, patient-centered treatment.
  • Advanced Diagnostics & Tailored Treatment Plans – We prioritize identifying the root cause and offering customized conservative, minimally invasive, or surgical solutions.
  • State-of-the-Art Technology – We ensure precise interventions—including neuronavigation, endoscopic methods, and RFA.
  • Faster Recovery, Holistic Support – Our emphasis on minimally invasive techniques coupled with rehabilitation and patient education leads to smoother recovery and long-term wellness.
  • Evidence-Based & Compassionate Care – We blend the latest insights—like TENS, McKenzie methods, and non-opioid pain strategies—with a supportive, empathetic environment