Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for medical consultation and can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp sensation. It may result from muscle strain, structural problems in the spine, or underlying neurological conditions. Accurate diagnosis is essential to determine whether the pain has a neurological origin requiring specialist care.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can originate from muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, or nerves in the spine. When back pain is accompanied by radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, a neurological cause such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis should be evaluated by a neurologist.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent or recurring lower or upper back pain
- Pain radiating to buttocks, thighs, or legs (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling in legs or feet
- Muscle weakness in the lower limbs
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, or sitting
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction (in severe cases)
Common Neurological Causes of Back Pain
Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc)
When the soft inner material of a spinal disc bulges out and presses on nearby nerves.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Sciatica
Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve causing radiating pain from the lower back down the leg.
Spondylolisthesis
One vertebra slips forward over another, potentially pressing on nerve roots.
Diagnosis
- Detailed neurological and musculoskeletal examination
- MRI Spine (lumbar or thoracic)
- X-ray of the spine
- CT Myelogram (when indicated)
- Nerve conduction studies and EMG
- Blood tests to rule out inflammatory causes
Treatment Options
- Medications (analgesics, muscle relaxants, nerve pain agents)
- Physiotherapy and core strengthening
- Epidural steroid injections
- Lifestyle modifications and ergonomic advice
- Treatment of underlying neurological cause
- Surgical referral when conservative treatment fails
- Regular neurological monitoring
When Should You See a Neurologist?
- Back pain with leg weakness, numbness, or tingling
- Pain radiating below the knee
- Bladder or bowel control problems
- Back pain after a fall or trauma
- Back pain that is not improving with standard treatment
Why Choose Us?
- Experienced Consultant Neurologist
- Accurate Neurological Assessment of Spinal Conditions
- Personalized Treatment Plans
- Evidence-Based Neurological Care
- Compassionate Patient-Centered Approach
- Comprehensive Follow-Up Care