Back Pain: Causes, Red Flags and the Right Treatment for Your Pain

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the top reasons Indians visit a doctor. Eight out of ten people will experience significant back pain at some point in their lives. In Chennai's working population, long commutes, desk jobs, and sedentary lifestyles have made back pain an epidemic. Most back pain gets better on its own — but some is serious.

Key Takeaways

• 90% of back pain resolves within 6–12 weeks without surgery
• Red flag symptoms in back pain — bladder/bowel problems, leg weakness — need urgent evaluation
• Poor posture and prolonged sitting are leading causes of back pain in Chennai's working population
• Most back pain is managed with physiotherapy and exercise — surgery is rarely necessary

Common Causes of Back Pain

• Muscle strain or spasm — from lifting incorrectly, sudden movement, or poor posture.
• Disc herniation (slipped disc) — inner disc material presses on a nerve; causes pain radiating into the leg (sciatica).
• Degenerative disc disease — discs lose height and flexibility with age.
• Spinal stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal; causes pain and tingling in both legs, especially when walking.
• Spondylolisthesis — one vertebra slips forward over another; causes back pain and sciatica.
• Osteoporosis fractures — especially in post-menopausal women.
• Referred pain — from kidneys (infection or stone), pancreas, or aortic aneurysm.
• Spinal infections (Discitis / Spondylodiscitis) — infection of the intervertebral disc or adjacent vertebrae; causes severe persistent back pain, often with fever and difficulty in movement

Back Pain Red Flags — Seek Immediate Care

• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements (cauda equina syndrome — emergency).
• Weakness or numbness in both legs.
• Back pain with fever and night sweats (possible infection or cancer).
• Back pain after a fall, accident, or trauma.
• Back pain in someone over 50 with no prior history.
• Pain that is constant, severe, and does not improve with rest or position changes

Effective Back Pain Treatments

• Physiotherapy and targeted exercise — the most effective treatment for most back pain.
• Pain medications — paracetamol, NSAIDs, or muscle relaxants for short-term relief.
• Heat or ice therapy for acute muscle spasm.
• Epidural steroid injections — for nerve-related (sciatica) pain that does not respond to physiotherapy.
• Surgery — considered only after 6 months of failed conservative treatment, or immediately for red flag symptoms.

Suffering from back pain? Our spine specialists and physiotherapy team at SRM Prime Hospital offer MRI-guided diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans.

Book an Appointment: srmhospitals.com | Call: 044 3545 3545

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I rest in bed for back pain?

No — bed rest worsens most back pain. Staying as active as possible within your pain limits, and starting gentle exercises early, leads to faster recovery.

When does back pain need an MRI?

An MRI is recommended if you have red flag symptoms, if pain is not improving after 6 weeks of conservative treatment, or if surgery is being considered.

Can stress cause back pain?

Yes. Psychological stress causes muscle tension, particularly in the neck and lower back, and lowers pain tolerance. The mind-body connection in back pain is well-established.

Is sciatica different from back pain?

Sciatica is a specific type of back pain where the sciatic nerve is compressed, causing pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttock and down one or both legs, sometimes to the foot.

Can yoga help back pain?

Yes. Specific yoga poses and strengthening exercises, particularly those that strengthen the core, improve spinal flexibility, and reduce muscle tension are beneficial for chronic back pain. Avoid aggressive forward bends and any position that worsens symptoms.