Nearly everyone experiences back pain at some point in their lives. The question often arises whether this back pain is a sinister sign or just part of bad day. For those enduring pain for an extended period, beyond two or three months, the quest to identify the cause becomes a source of distress. To address these concerns, read this blog on…
Do I have a prolapsed disc?
On many regular days, patients at my clinic rush in, exclaiming, “Doctor, I’ve been suffering from back pain for the past two days. Could it be a prolapsed disc? Please, do something. Do you think I need surgery?”
More than two-thirds of the cases presenting with low back pain are either just muscular sprains or pain related to facet joints. Some of these pains persist for more than a week, yet they are often benign and can be managed with medications or non-surgical treatments. Only one-third of these pains have anything to do with the spine.
What’s a facet joint?
You might be wondering what is a facet joint? We have 50 facet joints throughout our spine, with about 10 of them often being the source of pain. Unlike other joints in our body, like the knee or hip joints, they don’t aid in movement; instead they prevent excessive movement. When overloaded with excessive movement or stress, they become irritated and cause pain. Surgery is not always necessary for these types of pains. Pain arising from a facet joint often causes pain while turning your posture or while sleeping on the bed
Ominous Red Flags
Now, how can you determine if your pain is benign or something more serious that requires attention? The presence of any of these red flags could be a sign of danger, and you should definitely consult your pain physician for further advice:
- Pain radiating down the leg
- Excruciating pain
- Pain lasting more than three months
- Weakness in the legs
- Disturbance in urination or bowel habits
- Any other associated symptoms like fever, weight loss, or headache.
Dealing with pain that is not benign is of utmost importance. Persistent pain can cause long-lasting discomfort and suffering, not only for you but also for your family members. Pain can make you irritable, lead to memory disturbances, and, in the long run, even cause depression. Contact your doctor or pain physician at the earliest to address and treat your pain. Pain doesn’t always necessitate surgery; needle-based techniques and medications can also provide long-lasting relief.
