DOCTOR SANJIV, WHAT DO I DO IF, I HAVE PAIN AFTER LIFTING A HEAVY BOX?
IS BACK PAIN COMMON AMONG THE ELDERLY?

PROF, DO I HAVE SLIPPED DISC AS I HAVE PAIN SCIATICA FROM LOWER BACK
RADIATING DOWN TO LEGS?
DR SANJIV I HAVE BEEN TAKING PAINKILLERS AND STEROID JABS FOR LOW BACK PAIN, HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO KEEP TAKING INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS FOR LOW BACK PAIN?

Low back pain is relatively common in general practice. Numerous scientific studies show that low back pain is the most common orthopaedic pain presented to your doctor. Soo much soo that There is an 85% per cent chance that you will visit your family doctor at least once in your lifetime due to low back pain.

Many possible causes of back pain range from a simple muscle strain to more severe pain which radiates and associated with numbness that is prolapsed intervertebral disc or slipped disc.
The severity of the pain and associated symptoms would dictate further management of the condition. In general, when a patient presents to a physician with the following symptoms as below, it deems attention and I would advise you to meet your health consultant. Symptoms could range from

Unresolving pain despite over the counter painkiller limiting movement
Radiculopathy/Sciatica (burning or electric-like pain shooting from low back to calf or knee
Numbness or burning sensation on specific parts of the calf or foot.
Progressive weakness (weak step off or weak toe step off)
Bowel and bladder irregularities( Dribbling, inability to control urination or defecation)
Numbness over the crouch area

WHAT CAN BE DONE BEFORE SEEING YOUR DOCTOR?

This would depend on the severity of the symptoms.

Mild pain, spasm and on and off radiating pain – Over counter Acetaphetamine ( Paracetamol) with muscle relaxant
Simple Painkillers that can be bought at the pharmacy including spray, patches and creams would be a reasonable move.
Bed rest on straight on flat bed
Stretching and light exercise especially yoga, pilates and tai chi would be advisable.
Ice packing 3 to 4 times a day
Avoiding exertion and carrying of any weights

I suggest you meet your health consultant immediately or as an emergency if you have back pain with
1.Inability to move or feel your legs
2.Inability to control your bowel or bladder
3.Persistent numbness
4.involve with accident or trauma resulting in symptoms as said above
5.Severe radiating pain and unable to walk or work

All information given here is meant for patient information and should not be used as medical advice for specific cases. Please do share your experience of back pain and slipped disc down below in the comments section.

If you are having the above symptoms and would like a consult please feel free to contact me via the website email rampalsurgeryios@gmail.com, Twitter or Facebook for a more detailed analysis of the problem.

Dr Sanjiv Rampal is an experienced Orthopaedic consultant who has vast experience in all orthopaedic and musculoskeletal condition with training and work experience locally here in Malaysia and Europe. Please feel free to contact Dr Sanjiv for enquiries.