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Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, ranging from acute mechanical pain to chronic conditions affecting the spine, discs, and surrounding structures.
Quick Answer
Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, ranging from acute mechanical pain to chronic conditions affecting the spine, discs, and surrounding structures. Dr. Bodh Raj Gautam (NMC 23071, Experienced clinical practice in orthopedic surgery, foot care, and podiatry) evaluates back pain at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, Durbar Marg, Opposite of Yak & Yeti Hotel, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
Back pain affects most adults at some point and is a leading cause of disability worldwide. The majority of cases are mechanical or non-specific, involving muscles, ligaments, or facet joints. However, specific causes including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and fractures must be identified. Most back pain improves with conservative measures, but persistent or progressive symptoms require evaluation to exclude serious underlying pathology.
Clinical history and physical examination including neurological assessment, straight leg raise test, and palpation guide initial evaluation. Red flag symptoms including unexplained weight loss, fever, night pain, bladder or bowel changes, and progressive neurological deficit require urgent investigation. Imaging is not routine for acute non-specific back pain.
Most cases respond to continued activity, physical therapy, pain management with medications, and patient education about the benign nature of acute back pain. Specific treatments for identified causes include epidural injections, surgical decompression for severe stenosis or disc herniation, and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic fractures.
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
Regular exercise including core strengthening, maintaining healthy weight, using proper lifting techniques, ergonomic workplace setup, quitting smoking, and maintaining good posture during prolonged sitting.
Prolonged bed rest is not recommended. Staying active and gradually returning to normal activities promotes recovery. Brief rest of 1 to 2 days may be appropriate for severe pain.
Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, night pain, progressive leg weakness, bladder or bowel changes, or following trauma requires prompt medical evaluation.
Imaging is not routine for acute non-specific back pain without red flags. X-rays or MRI are indicated when red flags are present, symptoms persist beyond 6 weeks, or surgical planning is needed.
Approximately 10 to 20% of acute back pain episodes become chronic. Early active management, addressing psychosocial risk factors, and maintaining activity reduce this risk.
Core strengthening, walking, swimming, and gentle stretching are generally beneficial. A physical therapist can design an individualized program based on the specific cause of your back pain.
Assessment for tingling, numbness, burning pain, and weakness related to peripheral nerve dysfunction.
Comprehensive evaluation for bone, joint, muscle, and musculoskeletal conditions by Dr. Bodh Raj Gautam (NMC 23071).
Evaluation and management of acute and chronic wounds, including diabetic ulcers, pressure injuries, and post-surgical wounds.
Knee pain can arise from injuries to ligaments, menisci, tendons, or cartilage, as well as degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, and can limit mobility and daily function.
Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.
Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal condition characterized by reduced bone density and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, increasing the risk of fractures.
Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-09-04
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Bodh Raj Gautam
Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon & Foot Nail Specialist • MBBS (KU), MS-Orthopedics (GMC), Cert. Podiatry & Diabetic Foot (India) • NMC 23071
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Bodh Raj Gautam.
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