Back pain can strike suddenly—one minute you’re sitting comfortably, the next you feel a sharp pain shooting through your lower back. One common reason could be a lumbar herniated disc, often known as a slipped disc. This condition commonly affects people between 35 and 50 years of age and is widely recognized for causing sciatica.

What Is a Lumbar Herniated Disc?

Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, cushioned by soft discs that act as shock absorbers. Each disc has a gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) and a tough outer ring (annulus fibrosus).

When the outer ring weakens or tears, the inner gel can bulge out and press on nearby nerves. This nerve compression leads to pain, numbness, or tingling—most often in the lower back and legs.

Common Symptoms:

◼️Muscle weakness
◼️Pain on one side of the body
◼️Numbness or tingling sensations
◼️Lower back pain radiating to the leg (sciatica)
◼️Pain that worsens when sitting or standing
for long periods.

If the herniation occurs in the neck (cervical spine), it may cause arm pain or neck stiffness.

What Causes It?

Herniated discs may develop gradually due to aging, as discs lose water content and flexibility. Other risk factors include:
◼️Poor posture
◼️Obesity
◼️Smoking
◼️Lack of exercise
◼️Lifting heavy objects improperly
◼️Injury or trauma
◼️Genetics

Treatment Options:

Most cases improve without surgery. Common nonsurgical treatments include:
◼️Rest and anti-inflammatory medications
◼️Physiotherapy and guided exercises
◼️Stretching and core strengthening
◼️Heat or ice therapy
◼️Epidural steroid injections

Surgery is usually considered only if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment. Minimally invasive procedures like microsurgery are often effective when needed.

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

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A spinal cord abscess is a rare but serious condition where pus builds up in or around the spinal cord due to infection. This swelling puts pressure on the spinal cord and can lead to permanent nerve damage or paralysis if not treated early. It is most commonly caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.

Who Is at Risk?

Spinal cord abscesses occur more often in people who:
◼️Use intravenous (IV) drugs
◼️Have weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant patients)
◼️Have poorly controlled diabetes
◼️Experience frequent back injuries
◼️Have had spinal surgery or invasive spinal procedures
◼️Have infections elsewhere in the body

Common Causes:

Bacterial Infections
Most spinal cord abscesses are caused by bacteria, especially:
◼️Staphylococcus
◼️Streptococcus
◼️ Gram-negative bacteria may also cause infection, but less commonly.

Other Microorganisms
Rare organisms such as Actinomyces, Listeria, Proteus, Pseudomonas, fungi like Histoplasma capsulatum, and parasites like Sparganum can also cause abscesses.

Chronic Health Conditions
Certain diseases increase the risk, including:
◼️Tuberculosis (a major cause of epidural abscess in many countries)
◼️Crohn’s disease
◼️Infections spreading from nearby organs (e.g., ruptured gallbladder)

Symptoms:

Early stages may show no signs. As it progresses, symptoms include:
◼️Fever and chills
◼️Severe back pain
◼️Pain that spreads to the arms, shoulders, hips, legs, or feet
◼️Weakness or loss of movement below the affected area
◼️Loss of sensation or numbness
◼️Loss of bladder or bowel control
◼️Difficulty walking or paralysis in severe cases

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

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The spine is the body’s main support system, made up of 33 small bones called vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and carry the body’s weight. When one or more of these bones become weakened or experience too much pressure, they can crack or collapse — this is known as a spinal compression fracture.

Causes:

Several factors can lead to spinal compression fractures, including:

◼️Osteoporosis — A condition in which bones become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fracture even with minimal trauma.

◼️Spinal injury or trauma — Falls, car accidents, or other high-impact injuries can place excessive force on the vertebrae.

◼️Tumors — Both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors can weaken vertebrae, increasing fracture risk.

◼️Certain medical conditions — Disorders such as multiple myeloma, metastatic cancer, and osteogenesis imperfecta weaken bone structure.

◼️Aging — Bone density naturally decreases with age, making fractures more likely.

◼️Long-term corticosteroid use — Prolonged use of steroids can reduce bone density and increase fracture risk.

Individual risk varies based on medical history, lifestyle, and overall health. A healthcare professional can provide proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

Treatment Options:

Treatment aims to relieve pain, stabilize the spine, and prevent future fractures:
◼️Medication (pain relievers, muscle relaxants)
◼️Back braces for support and stability
◼️Bone-strengthening drugs (e.g., bisphosphonates like Fosamax, Boniva)
Minimally invasive surgery if needed:
▫️Vertebroplasty — bone cement injected into the fractured vertebra
▫️Kyphoplasty — balloon creates space before cement injection
▫️Spinal fusion — permanently joins vertebrae in severe cases
👉 A doctor should evaluate each case individually to choose the best treatment.

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

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Sciatica during pregnancy occurs when the growing uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, causing pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down one leg.
This pain may feel sharp, burning, or tingling and can make walking, sitting, or sleeping difficult. It usually affects only one side and often improves after delivery.

Symptoms of Sciatica:

◼️A burning sensation in the lower extremity
◼️Pain that worsens with coughing, sneezing, or movement
◼️Pain radiating from the lower back into one buttock and down one leg
◼️Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the leg or foot

If you experience these symptoms, consult your doctor. They can recommend safe pain-relief options appropriate for pregnancy.

Stretches That May Help:

You can ease sciatica pain at home with these simple stretches:

◼️Glute & hamstring foam rolling: gently massages tight muscles to reduce pain.
◼️Pigeon pose (modified): helps relieve sciatica-like pain with proper adjustments.
◼️Hip flexor stretch: reduces tightness in the front of the hips and improves posture.
◼️Seated piriformis stretch: releases tight buttock muscles that irritate sciatic nerve.
◼️Table stretch: stretches the back, hips, and legs; feels especially good during
pregnancy.

These help relax tight muscles and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Other Remedies:

◼️Warm baths: Can soothe muscle tension.
◼️Stay active: Avoid sitting for long periods; get up and walk regularly.
◼️Posture awareness: Sit and stand with proper support and alignment.
◼️Prenatal massage: Seek a therapist trained in pregnancy massage techniques.
◼️Heat therapy: Apply a warm pack to the lower back or buttocks to relax muscles.
◼️Self-massage: A soft tennis ball can be used to massage tight areas while seated.
◼️Medication: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) may be used if approved by your doctor.
Avoid other painkillers unless prescribed.

When to Seek Medical Care:

Seek medical advice if the pain is severe, worsening, associated with weakness, loss of sensation, bladder or bowel changes, or if it significantly interferes with daily activities.

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

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Many Indians suffer from acute or chronic back pain. Acute back pain often occurs suddenly, usually as a result of a known injury. In most cases, it resolves within a few days, but sometimes it may last up to six weeks.

Chronic pain generally develops slowly, and the severity of the condition may worsen over time. Chronic back pain lasts for a minimum of three months or is episodic and recurs over a period of six months or more. Your back pain should be treated as soon as possible, whether it is chronic or acute. Talk to a doctor about your back health.

What Causes Acute Back Pain?

Acute back pain usually results from injury to the soft tissues of the back, such as muscles, tendons, or ligaments. It commonly occurs due to improper lifting, sudden movements, or muscle spasms. Acute pain is short-term (lasting less than 6 months) and often improves once the underlying cause resolves.

Common causes include:

• Muscle sprain or strain
• Surgical procedures
• Fractured bones
• Sudden disc (annular) tear
• Labor and delivery

What Causes Chronic Back Pain?

Chronic back pain is long-lasting and often related to structural or degenerative changes in the spine.

Common causes include:

• Disc degeneration
• Age-related degenerative arthritis
• Chronic disc herniation
• Compression fractures
• Chronic pain conditions (e.g., fibromyalgia)

Common Treatments:

Long-term use of oral pain relievers is usually avoided due to the risks of dependence. Chronic back pain is often managed with a combination of:

• Pain management injections (including trigger point injections)
• Physical therapy/physiotherapy
• Medical or surgical treatment based on an accurate diagnosis

If conservative treatments fail and the cause is clear, surgery may be considered to correct the spinal issue.

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

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Back pain is often associated with adults, but recent studies show that children and adolescents are increasingly affected. Around 30% of children and young people experience back pain, with girls being more prone than boys. Despite this, only a small number seek medical help.

Symptoms:

Back pain symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity. Children may experience:

• Mild to severe pain that lasts for a short or long time
• Pain that stays in one area or radiates to the arms or legs
• Difficulty sleeping or performing physical activities
• Pain that worsens with lifting or movement and improves with rest
• Changes in walking, bending, or posture
• Tender spots, back stiffness, or spinal curvature

In some cases, warning signs such as fever, weakness, numbness, tingling, or bowel issues may occur and require medical attention.

Common Causes:

Back pain in children can result from:

• Poor posture
• Obesity or extra weight
• Minor injuries during play
• Heavy or improperly packed backpacks
• Muscle strains from sports or physical activities
• Sedentary lifestyle and excessive screen time

Medical Causes:

• Disc herniation: pain with numbness or difficulty bending
• Stress fractures: common in sports involving repeated back bending
• Fibromyalgia: chronic pain with fatigue and muscle spasms
• Infections: back pain with fever—needs urgent medical attention
• Tumours (rare): night pain, weight loss, or persistent illness
• Scoliosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis: abnormal spine curves
• Spondylosis: congenital defect causing activity-related pain
• Spondylolisthesis: vertebra slipping forward, sometimes requiring surgery

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

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The spine (vertebral column) is made up of 33 vertebrae separated by soft discs that act as cushions and shock absorbers. These discs allow movement and support body weight, especially in the lower back (lumbar spine).

A lumbar disc prolapse—also called a herniated or slipped disc—occurs when the soft inner material of a disc pushes out through a tear in its outer layer. This most commonly happens in the lower back, especially between L4–L5 or L5–S1.

When a disc prolapses, it can press on nearby nerves, causing back pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling, often affecting the legs.

Causes:

Lumbar disc prolapse often develops due to:

• Age-related degeneration and wear and tear of discs
• Sudden injury or trauma, such as accidents or heavy lifting
• Repeated strain or improper posture
• Increased pressure on the spine, causing disc bulging or tearing

Although disc degeneration is common, it does not always lead to long-term problems if treated early.

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary depending on the affected disc and nerve, but may include:

• Persistent or intermittent lower back pain
• Reduced knee or ankle reflexes
• Muscle spasms in the back
• Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• Pain worsening with movement, coughing, or sneezing
• In severe cases, changes in bowel or bladder function

Since several conditions can mimic these symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and timely treatment.

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

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WHAT IS BICEP TENDONITIS?

Bicep tendonitis occurs when the tendon that connects your biceps muscle to your shoulder becomes irritated or inflamed. The biceps has two tendons at the shoulder (the long head and the short head), but the long head tendon is most commonly affected.

Over time, repetitive motion, strain, or acute injury can cause microtears in the tendon, resulting in swelling and pain.

CAUSES:

Several factors can contribute to bicep tendonitis, including:

◼️Repetitive overhead activities
(swimming, tennis, baseball, weightlifting)
◼️Sudden increase in physical activity
◼️Poor lifting technique
◼️Aging and natural wear-and-tear
◼️Shoulder instability or impingement
◼️Trauma or overuse injuries

SYMPTOMS:

Left untreated, tendonitis can progress to more severe conditions such as tendon tears or shoulder impingement syndrome.

WHEN TO VISIT A DOCTOR:

While mild bicep tendonitis often improves with rest and conservative care, certain signs indicate that it’s time to see a healthcare professional:

◼️Persistent Pain: If pain lasts longer than 7–10 days despite home treatment.
◼️Increasing Weakness: Difficulty lifting everyday objects or performing normal movements.
◼️Severe Pain After an Injury: Sharp pain accompanied by a popping sound could indicate a tendon
tear.
◼️Visible Bulging in the Bicep: A “Popeye deformity” suggests a tendon rupture and requires medical
attention.
◼️Inability to Move the Arm Normally: Reduced range of motion or instability could mean a more
complex shoulder problem.
◼️Swelling, Redness, or Warmth: These symptoms may point to infection or significant inflammation.

For more information, talk to a healthcare provider.

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