Introduction:
Long hours behind a desk can eventually cause discomfort in the neck, shoulders and back. This is particularly true for students and working professionals who spend long hours in front of a computer. Muscle strain in the neck, back and shoulders can ultimately lead to pain that can disrupt sleep, concentration and everyday activities.
If you are suffering from back pain and are looking for treatment in Bangalore, evaluating the possible causes of your pain is crucial. Muscle strains in the neck, back and shoulders from poor posture and prolonged sitting can be some of the causes of your pain; however, continuous back pain may indicate other underlying conditions involving the spine, discs, nerves, joints and surrounding muscles.
The orthopedics department at Regal Hospital, North Bangalore, evaluates and treats a wide range of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and spine. Some of these include various disorders affecting the spine and neck. The hospital is also equipped to perform spine surgeries, and provide pain management and rehabilitation services, if required.
Discomfort can be caused by habits at work such as:
-Not moving for long periods of time when sitting
-Using a laptop with a poor positioning of the display, keyboard, and mouse
-Using a keyboard with poor positioning and supporting of the shoulders
-Using a chair with poor positioning and supporting of the lower back
-Using a display at an incorrect working height or distance
-Frequent bending of the neck while using a phone
-Using a poor positioning at work for long periods of time
While using the habits listed above, it does not mean a person has a spinal disorder. If, however, pain is experienced for a long time and is not controlled or is worsening and
affecting a person’s normal daily activities, then it is wise to see a professional for an assessment.
What Is Good Desk Ergonomics?
Desk ergonomics is about optimizing the working environment in such a way that the body can perform work comfortably, efficiently, and productively.
Position Your Chair
Make sure your lower back and upper legs are well supported. Your knees should be slightly higher than your feet.
Avoid sitting at the very edge of the chair for long periods.
Position Your Monitor
Your display should be positioned at a height such that the top of the display is at or just above eye level.
If using a laptop, consider using a laptop stand for longer work periods.
Position Your Mouse and Keyboard
Relax your shoulders and elbows while using your keyboard and mouse. Avoid working with your arms in front of you.
Take Regular Movement Breaks
A good design can’t completely replace movement.
Stand up, walk, and change your position regularly to avoid becoming too stiff from staying in the same position for too long. This can help alleviate stiffness throughout the day.
ERGONOMIC BACK CARE AT REGAL HOSPITAL
Good ergonomic habits are key to supporting daily musculoskeletal health. However, back pain can be a result of various reasons, and ergonomics alone may not alleviate it.
At Regal Hospital, ergonomic back care, along with the other available therapies, can be considered when used in conjunction with other measures to support the health of the musculoskeletal system. Patients with symptoms can be assessed and treated if appropriate.
The regal hospital also provides specialized orthopedic and spinal services. These include spinal discectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion and other spinal surgeries as well as pain management and rehabilitation services.
COMMON CAUSES OF BACK PAIN
Back pain can be caused by several reasons. These can range from muscle strain to problems involving the spinal discs.
Nerve compression can also cause pain and weakening of the arm or leg. Some of the more serious conditions may require surgery.
Spinal Conditions
Degenerative conditions or structural anomalies, such as kyphosis and scoliosis, could contribute to back discomfort. Among the spinal conditions it assesses and treats, Regal Hospital’s orthopaedic department includes kyphosis and scoliosis
Poor posture has become quite a common phenomenon with most people leading sedentary lifestyles. Back pain is a complex condition. Rather than assuming poor posture is the cause of back pain, and treating it accordingly, it is best to have it evaluated by a clinical expert.
When Should You See a Spine Specialist?
Back pain that disrupts your regular activities, causes numbness or tingling, or is accompanied by arm or leg pain, is a good reason to see a spine specialist. If back pain disrupts your sleeping, rather than taking some rest, you should see a doctor. In cases where it is not managing, rather getting worse, you should definitely see a doctor.
Patients from Thanisandra looking for a spine specialist have the option of Regal Hospital’s spine and orthopaedic services in North Bangalore. According to the hospital, the orthopaedic department serves patients from Thanisandra, Yelahanka, Hegde Nagar, Manyata Tech Park and surrounding regions.
The doctor will check the following:
-The location of the pain
-How long the pain has been present for
-Whether there are any activities that make the pain better or worse
-How far you are able to move your back
-Strength in your back and whether there are any sensations abnormalities
-Reflexes and other neurological abnormalities
-Depending on the findings, imaging or other tests may be necessary.
Treatment Options for Back Pain
How a patient with back pain is treated at Regal Hospital is based on the cause and the severity of the symptoms.
Psychological, Social and Activity Changes
Some patients may benefit from education about appropriate physical activities and alterations in workplace activities and ergonomics.
Avoid prolonged bed rest, unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
Physiotherapy
Patients may benefit from physical therapy to improve their flexibility, strength, movement and other activities of daily living.
Rehabilitation
A customized plan based on the patient’s condition may help them attain their maximum level of function.
Pain medication
Pain or inflammation may be treated with medication if appropriate.
Psychosocial interventions
A structured, multidisciplinary approach may be used to treat chronic pain. Regal Hospital has this approach as part of its orthopaedic services.
Surgery
Not everyone with back pain needs surgery. Surgery is required only when other treatments are not helping and there is a significant condition or symptom that is being put on or causing compression of the nerves.
Regal Hospital describes a variety of surgical options for the spine such as discectomy, foraminotomy, laminectomy and spinal fusion.
Orthopedic and Spine Surgeons can help determine if you are a candidate for surgery and explain the benefits, risks and expected recovery.
Desk Habits for Better Spine Health
There are a few habits you can begin to incorporate during your work day that may better protect your spine:
Use a pillow to support your back while you sit.
Use a foot rest.
Use a headset or speakerphone instead of holding the phone between your shoulder and ear.
Be sure to get up and move often.
Replace long seated work sessions with movement breaks.
Avoid working from a reclined position (e.g. bed, couch).
Lead a physically active lifestyle.
Be sure to listen to your body. Pain is not an indicator that you should continue to work.
Regal Hospital has a fully equipped multispecialty wing for orthopedics and spine care. Back pain is often caused due to various reasons including defects in the discs, ligaments or muscles which if left untreated could worsen the condition. The first step in treating back pain is to understand the anatomical reason for the pain. The experts at Regal Hospitals have extensive experience in treating conditions affecting the spine and associated orthopedic problems including joints and muscles. The hospital offers the full spectrum of spinal care including conservative and surgical approaches.
Being centrally located at Tirumanahalli, it serves patients from Thanisandra, Yelahanka and Hegde Nagar.
While choosing a hospital for treatment of back pain, it is important to study the root cause of the problem and select the treatment that is most appropriate for the individual, instead of choosing a treatment that is symptomatic for the back pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can sitting at a desk cause back pain?
Prolonged sitting, limited movement and an unsuitable workstation can contribute to discomfort and stiffness. However, persistent back pain can have several causes and should not automatically be attributed to desk posture.
- How can I improve my workstation for better back health?
Use a supportive chair, position your screen comfortably, keep your feet supported and arrange your keyboard and mouse so your shoulders can remain relaxed. Take regular movement breaks throughout the day.
- When should I see a spine specialist?
Consider a medical consultation when back pain persists, repeatedly returns, affects daily activities or is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness or pain travelling into an arm or leg.
- Does every case of back pain require surgery?
No. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Many back problems can be managed with conservative approaches such as activity modification, medication, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Surgery may be considered for selected spinal conditions.
- Where can I get back pain treatment in North Bangalore?
Regal Hospital provides orthopaedic and spine care in North Bangalore, serving patients from areas including Thanisandra, Yelahanka and surrounding neighbourhoods. Patients can consult an orthopaedic or spine specialist for an individualized assessment.
This blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from a qualified doctor. Please consult a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Call us today: +91 888 405 8888.
Visit us: Near Thanisandra-Yelahanka Road, Bengaluru
Learn more: www.regalhospital.com
