Frequently Asked Questions

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Neck Pain

Good sleeping posture, Neck stretching and strengthening exercises, drink plenty of water, frequent stretching breaks in work hours.

Can neck pain be something serious?

90% neck pain are due to abnormal sleeping and working posture, sprain and muscle spasm. Consult a doctor if neck pain is more than 7 days or associated with weakness or numbness of both hands.

What is the reason for neck pain?

Neck pain may be due to a variety of reasons. The most common causes are – muscle spasm, strain, poor posture, spondylosis.

What does radicular pain feel like?

Radicular pain are nerve pain that resembles an electric shock, or deep pain from the shoulder to the elbow or hand. It signifies nerve compression.

What is the main cause of spondylosis?

Spondylosis is age related. The gradual wear and tear of the neck jointscultimately lead to spondylosis. The condition may be severe and early in some than others, however smoking, sleeping posture, desk work and long years of driving have a significant role.

What are the symptoms of spondylosis of the neck?

Neck pain travelling to the head, shoulder and arms. Giddiness, stiffness of the neck. Pain increases on neck movements. Weakness of the arm and hands.

What is the fastest way to relieve neck pain?

Apply ice packs and analgesic ointments. Slow neck stretching and strengthening exercise. Avoid further straining, abnormal neck posture and riding bike for sometime. Consult doctor for painkiller and antispasmotic medication.

Is heat or ice better for neck pain?

In neck muscle sprain – Use ice pack first for the first 48 hours of initial pain to reduce internal inflammation. If pain continues after 48, use hot water pack to reduce muscle spasm and increase blood flow.

Are neck collars good for neck pain?

Neck collar helps support the head and relax the neck muscle giving it time to heal. It can be used for a short period of time (such as 7 days). Using it any longer for muscle sprains can reduce power and movement of neck muscles.

What happens if neck pain is left untreated?

Neglecting neck pain without knowing the cause may cause irritation of the nerves and causes weakness. Consult doctor if neck pain is more than 7 days, associated with numbness or weakness and is affecting work.

What’s the best position to sleep for neck pain?

Lying down straight with the medium height pillow upto the upper back. Avoid extreme neck position while sleeping.

Can we sleep with Neck collar?

Collar can be used during sleep if the neck pain is severe or is advised by a doctor. Otherwise it can be avoided considering the neck pain is less severe.

Back Pain

What are the most common causes of back pain?

Back pain may to due to many reasons. The most common are muscle strain, annular tear or disc prolapse. Consult a doctor if the back pain is more than 7 days, associated with leg pain / numbness, difficulty in urine control or pain affecting daily activities.

How can I avoid frequent back pains?

Do regular lumbar strengthening exercises and avoid long sitting, lifting heavy weights and frequently bending down. Abnormal sitting and sleeping posture, smoking, and long bike driving can also cause back pain.

What is Sciatica? How is it related to my spine problem?

Sciatica is the extending pain in the back of the thigh, knee and leg caused due to compression of the nerve roots (in the spine) supplying these parts. Consult a doctor if the pain is more than 7 days, associated with numbness/weakness, difficulty in urine control or pain affecting daily activities.

I am not able to stand or walking more than 10 steps?

This symptoms is mostly due to a condition called claudication. The obstructing disc (Disc prolapse) or spine (spondylolisthesis) is causing compression and affects the blood supply of the spinal cord. Consult the doctor immediately.

Why am I not able to lift my foot?

Most likely suggestive of foot drop. Caused due to weakness of the leg muscle due to nerve compression especially in the spine. Consult a doctor immediately.

Can my back pain cause urine control problems?

Yes, the most common cause of urine control problem is due to spinal canal compression called as Cauda Equina Syndrome. Delay in treatment may result in incomplete recovery of urine function. Consult a doctor immediately.

How do i know if my back pain is serious?

Your back pain is serious and requires doctor consult if is continuous more than 7 days, associated with leg pain / numbness/ weakness, difficulty in urine control or pain affecting daily activities and sleep.

How can i cure back pain?

90% of Back pain can be cured by rest, Low back exercises and short term pain killers. Consult doctor if pain is more than 7 days.

How can i tell if my back pain is kidney related?

Back pain not decreasing with rest or lying down, pulsative pain, more on the flanks, radiating to the belly-button or groin are usually associated with Renal stones. Consult a doctor immediately.

What happens if back pain is left untreated?

Neglecting long term back pain may cause weakness of the nerves and result in paralysis. Treatment thereafter will have little improvement.

What’s the best position to sleep in when your back hurts?

Lying down flat on a normal mattress is usually the best sleeping position. Keep the pillow covering head, neck and upper back. Second pillow under the knees can relieve sciatic pain.

Can smoking cause back problems?

Yes. Tobacco and nicotine reduces blood supply to the spine and discs. Hence people who smoke have a higher chance of disc damage and spine related problems,

Spine Conditions

What does ankylosing spondylitis pain feel like?

Ankylosing Spondylitis patients frequently express a persistent, dull ache that feels like it’s originating from deep within their lower back or buttocks, as well as morning stiffness. It is not uncommon for symptoms to increase, improve, or disappear at regular periods.

What is the life expectancy of someone with ankylosing spondylitis?

With ankylosing spondylitis, it is possible to live a long life. Except for those with the most severe types of the disease and those who suffer complications, people with ankylosing spondylitis have the same life expectancy as the general population.

What is the main cause of ankylosing spondylitis?

There is no known aetiology for ankylosing spondylitis, though hereditary factors appear to play a role. People with the HLA-B27 gene, in particular, are at a much higher risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. However, only a small percentage of persons who carry the gene acquire the disease.

Is ankylosing spondylitis serious?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a complicated condition that, if left untreated, can lead to major problems. Many people’s symptoms and problems can be controlled or lessened by sticking to a regular treatment schedule.

Can you prevent ankylosing spondylitis?

There are no recognised preventative measures for ankylosing spondylitis. Although you may not be aware of anyone in your family who has identical symptoms, the ailment is mostly caused by genetics.

How do people live with ankylosing spondylitis?

Regular exercise is essential for living well with ankylosing spondylitis. In fact, back discomfort caused by AS tends to worsen after prolonged sitting or lying down, but exercise can assist. Low-impact aerobic exercise can help you control your weight and the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.