Introduction
Back pain is thought to be an ailment of the elderly; surprisingly, an increasing number of young adults aged 20 and 30 years have been showing constant or recurrent back pain. Be it a student, working individual, or sports person, neglecting such early signals can eventually cause long-term damage. I am a bone injury doctor in Bangalore; many a time, I see clients who, with my intervention, would never have sustained chronic problems.
Let us try to understand what is happening, how to manage the same, and when to visit an orthopedic specialist.
Common Causes of Back Pain among Young Adults
1. Bad posture
Bad posture for the long hours of continuous sitting creates stress on the spine and muscles. Slouching or working in unsupported postures that lack ergonomic support leads to muscular fatigue and pain in the lower back area.
2. Sedentary Lifestyle
Less movement equals less strength, hence less core power, and decreased spinal flexibility. Because of this, very minor activities such as lifting light objects or sudden movements may become painful and stiff to the spine.
3. Improper Workout Techniques
In the gym, young people often working out do deadlifts, which can be a source of lower back strain and muscle pulls or disc injuries, while squats done improperly can lead to the same injuries.
4. Injury
Falls, sports injuries, or road accidents may result in back pain due to sprained ligaments, torn muscles, or spinal discs, which requires treatment.
5. Herniated Disc
Either bulging or herniated, the disc presses on the adjacent nerves, which may generate sharp or even radiating back pain. This has become a quite common condition seen in young adults today.
6. Stress and Mental Health
Emotional stress leads to muscle tension, especially around the shoulders and back. Chronic stress may also worsen the perception of pain.
Signs Not to be Ignored
- Constantly: Not-a-round-the-clock pain: Two weeks or more
- Pain radiating to the legs or buttocks (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling
- Increased pain with activity
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
If you’re feeling these, consulting a bone injury doctor would be the best immediate decision.
Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy
A structured physiotherapy course develops flexibility, core strength, and restoration of posture. I often recommend this as a starting point for any patient with non-chronic back pain.
2. Pain Relief
Analgesics or muscle relaxants available over the counter may be prescribed for very short-term use. They must never be considered a long-term pain relief option in a person’s life without medical advice.
3. Lifestyle Modification
Making small changes like:
- Having a supportive chair
- Taking frequent breaks from sitting
- Walking daily or doing Yoga
- Avoiding heavy lifting
These small changes may produce significant reductions in pain in the long run.
4. Posture Correction
For desk workers and students, I suggest ergonomic assessments. Small changes such as raising your screen or sitting on a lumbar cushion can help in spinal realignment.
5. Advanced Care
In severe cases, if conservative means fail, diagnostic investigations like MRI or X-rays must be carried out. In such instances, treatment options include epidural injections or minimally invasive procedures.
Back Pain Prevention for the Future
- The main pillar of core strengthening would be the support to the spine and the prevention of strain.
- Stretching is inevitable for individuals who sit for extended periods.
- Correct lifting includes bending knees, not the back.
- Do not stay too long without being active.
- Meditation, good sleep, and counseling if required.
When to Go to a Bone Injury Doctor
Back pain at a young age is not common. If that pain is interfering with your daily activities, sleep, or mobility, you must see a specialist.
At Dr. Akshay Shetty’s orthopedic clinic in HSR Layout, Bengaluru, many young patients have been treated successfully using non-invasive techniques. Early diagnosis brings about a faster way of recovery and puts an end to the problem of chronic complications.
Conclusion
Young adults face increasing back pain due to work habits and lifestyle. But with timely intervention, posture correction, and guided treatment, it can be managed and even reversed. As a trusted bone injury doctor in Bengaluru, Dr. Akshay Shetty advises all patients to listen to their bodies and do something about their pain at an early stage.
Need Help with Back Pain?
Book an Appointment with Dr. Akshay Shetty and get a personalized recovery plan today.
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