Back pain and spine problems
Back pain and spine problems
Back pain is one of the most common reasons to see an orthopaedic doctor. Most episodes improve with the right guidance, but pain that spreads into the leg, keeps returning or comes with weakness deserves a proper assessment.
Dr. Shweta Vandurkar, orthopaedic surgeon in Thane, evaluates your history, examines the area, reviews imaging when needed, and explains every option clearly, starting with the least invasive that can work.
Seek urgent care for: Weakness in both legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control; Numbness around the groin or saddle area; Back pain with fever or unexplained weight loss; Back pain after a major accident.
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Conditions we assess: back and spine
Mechanical low back pain
Pain from muscles, ligaments and joints of the lower back, often linked to posture, lifting or long sitting.
- Dull ache in the lower back
- Pain worse after sitting or bending
- Morning back stiffness
Slipped (prolapsed) disc
A bulging disc can press on a nerve and cause pain well beyond the back.
- Back pain spreading down the leg
- Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
- Pain on coughing or sneezing
Sciatica
Irritation of the sciatic nerve, usually from a disc or narrowing in the spine.
- Shooting pain from the buttock down the leg
- Burning or electric sensation in the leg
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal, more common with age.
- Leg heaviness or cramps while walking
- Relief when sitting or bending forward
Spondylosis (age-related wear)
Gradual wear of discs and joints of the spine.
- Persistent stiffness
- Reduced bending or twisting
Vertebral (spine) fracture
Often linked to weak bones after a minor fall or even without a clear injury.
- Sudden back pain after a minor fall
- Loss of height or stooped posture
Not sure where to start?
Solutions, from simple to surgical
- Stay active: short rest, then an early return to gentle movement
- Pain-relief medicines and muscle relaxants as prescribed by your doctor
- Physiotherapy for core strength, flexibility and posture
- Heat or cold application during flare-ups
- Short-term back support in selected cases
- Epidural steroid injection for nerve root irritation (selected cases)
- Facet joint or sacroiliac joint injections (selected cases)
- Trigger-point injections for muscle spasm
Injections are used selectively after assessment and are one part of a wider plan.
- Break up sitting every 30 to 45 minutes
- Set your screen at eye level and support the lower back
- Lift with bent knees and keep loads close to the body
- Walk, swim or do gentle core exercises regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking
- Choose a supportive mattress and sleeping position
- Decompression or microdiscectomy. Considered when a disc or narrowed canal is pressing on nerves and symptoms are severe or persist despite non-surgical care.
- Spinal stabilisation or fusion. For instability or selected deformities after detailed evaluation.
- Vertebral augmentation. For selected painful spine fractures.
Where a specialised procedure is needed, Dr. Shweta will explain it clearly and, if appropriate, coordinate with the relevant specialist or hospital. Medicines and procedures are decided only after examination.
Your questions
Back pain with leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, fever, or after a major injury needs urgent care.
Not always. Imaging is advised based on your symptoms, examination and warning signs, not for every episode of back pain.
Call or WhatsApp +91 89564 30965, or use the booking form. Dr. Shweta consults at five locations in Thane West.
Medical disclaimer: This page offers general educational information and does not replace a consultation. Treatment decisions are made only after examination.