Back pain is the second most common reason people visit a doctor — after the common cold. Most back pain is not dangerous and resolves on its own. But some needs attention. This guide helps you understand your back pain and what to do about it.
Causes and what is happening inside your body
80% of back pain is from muscle spasm — the back muscles go into protective spasm after a sudden movement, heavy lifting, or poor posture over time. The remaining 20% comes from disc problems (bulging or slipped disc), facet joint arthritis, spinal canal narrowing (stenosis), or nerve compression. The discs between vertebrae act as shock absorbers — when they bulge or herniate, they can press on the spinal nerves causing pain, numbness or weakness in the legs.
🔙 Key fact: 90% of back pain episodes resolve within 6-8 weeks with proper management. Only about 5-10% of back pain ever needs surgery.
How to recognise this condition — and when to see a doctor urgently
⚠️ See a doctor urgently if: Back pain with loss of bladder or bowel control — medical emergency · Pain after a fall in elderly — possible fracture · Severe pain at rest not relieved by any position · Back pain with unexplained weight loss or fever
What you can do to reduce your risk and protect yourself
Treatment options from simple home care to specialist treatment
Acute back pain (less than 6 weeks): rest for 1-2 days only, then gentle movement, anti-inflammatory medicines, hot or cold packs, and physiotherapy. Chronic back pain: core strengthening programme, postural correction, weight loss, and targeted physiotherapy. For disc problems with nerve pain: nerve root injections, and in selected cases — minimal invasive surgery. Dr. Sumit focuses on non-surgical management for all but the most severe cases.
💡 Important: Bed rest makes back pain worse. After the first 1-2 days, movement is medicine. Staying active — gently — is the best treatment for most back pain.
Step-by-step exercises selected by Dr. Sumit
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for this condition. These exercises can be done at home without any equipment.
5 exercises · Step-by-step · Animated · English / Hindi / Telugu
What I tell every patient who comes to me with this condition
"The worst thing a patient with back pain can do is lie in bed and stop moving. The spine needs movement. The back muscles need work. In 90% of cases, the right physiotherapy programme and lifestyle changes solve the problem completely — without any procedure or surgery."
— Dr. Sumit Dubewar · DABRM (USA) · Secunderabad
Book a consultation with Dr. Sumit. Get an honest assessment and the right treatment plan for your condition.
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