If you have back pain, you are not alone. About 90% of adults experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. Back pain can impact everything in your life from walking to driving, even just sitting at your desk can cause extreme pain. It is the most common cause of job related disability and a leading contributor to missed work days. Effective back pain treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.
Men and women are equally affected by back pain, which can range in intensity from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation that leaves one incapacitated. Onset of pain can be sudden, as a result of an accident or by lifting, pulling or pushing something heavy, or it can develop over time due to age-related changes of the spine. Sedentary lifestyles can also lead to back pain, especially when a weekday’s routine of getting too little exercise is punctuated by strenuous weekend workout. Driving or sitting in a hunched position, bending awkwardly or being in this position for long periods of time are common causes of back pain. Overweight people, smokers, pregnant ladies, stressed or depressed people; people on long term use of medicines that weaken bones e.g. corticosteroids and those leading a sedentary lifestyle are more at risk of back pain.
As per research published in the International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, Low Back Pain is the biggest Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder among the IT Professionals in India, with more than 50% of subjects reporting Low Back Pain in the course of the study.
Back ache may be associated with following symptoms:
At Vivacare Advanced Physiotherapy and Pain Clinic, our physiotherapists will assess the cause of your condition and advise you with an individualized treatment plan. The clinic provides the following therapies to bring you quick and long term relief:
Our therapists will give you advice regarding correct posture while sitting, standing, lying and driving to prevent the recurrence of the problem. You will be guided regarding proper lifting techniques and given a detailed exercise regime to strengthen the core muscles and stretch the muscles from time to time to improve flexibility and prevent recurrence.
Get assessed sooner rather than later if back pain is accompanied by leg numbness, weakness, or changes in bladder/bowel control — and generally, don’t wait more than a couple of weeks of persistent pain before seeking a professional opinion.
Generally no — prolonged bed rest can slow recovery. Gentle movement and gradually resuming activity, guided by your physiotherapist, tends to give better outcomes than strict rest.
Rarely, as a first step. Most mechanical back pain responds well to conservative physiotherapy; surgery is considered only for a small subset of cases that don’t respond or involve specific red-flag findings.
Yes — sleeping on your stomach in particular can strain the lower back over time; side-sleeping with a pillow between the knees is often more supportive.
No — most mechanical back pain can be assessed and treated clinically without imaging first; scans are recommended selectively when specific red flags or a lack of progress suggest they’re needed.
Prolonged stillness overnight can allow stiffness to build up in the spinal joints and muscles; this usually eases with gentle movement shortly after waking.
