Back Pain -Don’t Ignore That Back Pain – It Could Be More Than Just Age

By- Dr .Agastya Maria, Associate Consultant - Neurosurgery,  Max Super Speciality Hospital Saket

Guwahati - Back pain is one of the most common health complaints in adults, especially as we grow older. While many consider it a normal part of aging, persistent or worsening back pain should never be ignored. It may be a sign of degenerative spine disease, a condition that affects both the bones and discs of the spine and could lead to pressure on the spinal nerves.

The spine houses the spinal cord, a vital communication highway of nerves—and is supported by vertebrae (that makeup the spine) and intervertebral discs (cushions located between them). With age, these structures can degenerate, resulting in narrowing of spaces and nerve compression.

This leads to symptoms such as:
• Persistent back or neck pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs
• Difficulty in walking
• In severe cases, bladder or bowel dysfunction

These symptoms are not just signs of “getting older”—they are medical conditions that can and should be treated.

Contrary to popular belief, not all back pain leads to surgery. In fact, only about 10% of cases eventually require surgical intervention. Most people benefit from conservative management like physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and medications.

However, surgery may be necessary when:
• There is severe, unrelenting pain not responding to therapy
• You experience cauda equina syndrome (numbness in the groin area, loss of bladder/bowel control – a surgical emergency)
• Symptoms persist despite 4-6 weeks of proper non-surgical treatment ( conservative management)
• Additionally, spinal infections (including tuberculosis) or spinal tumors—though rare—can also present as chronic back pain and should be ruled out.

The Bottom Line   
You don’t have to live with back pain. A timely consultation with a neuro spine surgeon can help identify the underlying cause and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis can prevent complications, restore quality of life, and often avoid the need for surgery altogether.
Back pain shouldn't be a lifelong companion. Get evaluated,your spine matters.