ORTHOPAEDICS • GUWAHATI
Back Pain FAQs
Causes, Treatments and When to see a Doctor in Guwahati
Dr. Firoz Ahmed, MS Orthopaedics
Updated: May 2026
Back pain is one of the most common joint problems affecting people of all ages. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or daily activities.
Dr Firoz Ahmed, leading Orthopaedic Surgeon in Guwahati, answers the most common questions about back pain and explains when you should consult an orthopaedic specialist in Guwahati.
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What are the most common causes of back pain?
The common causes of back pain include:
- Poor posture
- Heavy work
- Weak bones and muscles
- Age related wear and tear
- Injury
- Excessive travel
Structural or specific causes like Slipped Disc, Listhesis, Infection etc actually constitute a small proportion of the cases.
When should I see a doctor for back pain in Guwahati?
Most of the time, back pain lasts only for a short time and is usually over by rest, hot fomentation etc.
However you should consult your doctor if,
- Back pain is persistent and severe
- Back pain is spreading towards the legs
- Associated symptoms like tingling, numbness, weakness etc
- History of fall or injury
- History of earlier spinal surgery or problem
Is back pain always related to a problem in the spine?
Although back pain is due to spinal causes most of the time, in some patients it can be due to other causes also. Sometimes pain due to abdominal causes can spread to the back. Hip diseases sometimes cause back pain.
Can long sitting or office work cause back pain?
Prolonged sitting can cause back pain due to poor posture.
It is essential to take frequent short breaks after every hour or so of sitting and walk or stand to stretch.
Maintaining the correct posture while sitting is also important.
Use of an inclined writing Board is also beneficial.
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Does sleeping on the wrong mattress cause back pain?
If it is too hard or too soft, it can cause back pain.
Is back pain common with increasing age?
With increasing age there is wear and tear of the bones and joints. The bones and muscles also become weak. So, it is quite common to find people suffering from back pain with advancing age.
How long does it take for back pain to improve?
Most cases of back pain usually improve in a few days to weeks time with proper management.
Can back pain be treated without surgery?
Yes. Majority of the back pain can and should be treated NON-SURGICALLY.
The simple explanation for this is that the majority of the causes of back pain are non specific and do not need surgical correction.
Even in those cases which may need surgery, it is always advisable to first try conservative management unless there is an emergency.
In fact, with the advances in the medical field, those cases where every conservative measure has failed, it is still possible to do minimally invasive surgical methods and provide relief to the patients with minimal or no scar.
Which exercises are safe for back pain?
It is always advisable to consult your doctor and/ or physiotherapist before starting exercises. However, the following are commonly prescribed exercises:
Core strengthening
Spinal flexion or extension
Stretching etc
Is back pain a sign of a disc problem (slipped disc)?
Slipped Disc or Disc Prolapse is only one of the causes of back pain. However, there are other more common causes.
In fact, a slipped disc typically is associated with leg pain rather than back pain only.
Can exercises help in long-term back pain relief?
Regular exercises are in fact the most important component of long term management of back pain. Paradoxically, it is also the most overlooked part.
Regular exercises keep the bones and joints in shape and prevent back pain.
How can I prevent back pain in daily life?
A few useful tips are:
- Maintaining good posture while sitting
- Avoid lifting heavy objects, bending forward excessively
- Avoid vigorous massage if there is slight pain
- Good balanced diet and supplements to maintain bone and joint health
- Exercise regularly
Are X-rays or MRI necessary for every back pain patient?
XRays or MRIs should be ideally prescribed by your doctor after a thorough clinical examination. It helps in forming a provisional diagnosis and identifying the probable area or part to be investigated.
Otherwise, there is a possibility that we may miss the source of pain.
Furthermore, XRays emit minute radiation and should be done only in indicated cases. X-Ray is avoided in pregnant females.
MRI does not emit radiation but its use is mostly limited by cost and availability.
Why is my back pain worse during the cold, damp winters in the Northeast?
Winter in the Northeast can be sometimes severe. Cold causes stiffness in the joints and muscles leading to frequent back pain.
Is my back pain caused by my daily commute on bumpy roads or hilly terrain?
Prolonged and frequent travel over bad roads can cause back pain.
Does sleeping on a very hard floor or a wooden "takhat" actually help back pain?
It is a common misconception.
In fact, such a hard surface may worsen the pain due to excessive pressure points, misalignment etc. in some patients.
It is recommended to use mattresses with comfortable firmness which will vary in different individuals.
How do I know if my back pain is actually a kidney stone, which is common in this region?
Pain due to kidney stones is usually episodic and spasmodic and occurs mostly in the flank or side whereas back pain is more of a dull nature.
Secondly, Pain due to stones is generally not related to movement of activity.
What are slipped disc and sciatica?
Does "Sciatica" mean I will eventually need surgery, or can it be cured with medicine?
Sciatica is an archaic and broad term which is rarely used nowadays. It actually encompasses a variety of different causes but having a similar type of pain radiating down the leg.
Majority of such cases can be treated without surgery.
What are the latest non-surgical treatments available for back pain in Guwahati?
Dr Firoz Ahmed at ARHI Hospital employs some of the latest non-surgical techniques to help back pain patients avoid costly open surgery. These include
- Pain blocks
- Epidural Injections
- Ozone therapy
- Orthobiologics
- Radio Frequency Ablation etc
Is bed rest good for back pain?
A short period of rest may be needed in case of severe acute back pain. However, prolonged bed rest may be counter productive and lead to other problems.
Are painkillers safe to take long-term for back pain?
Pain killers should be strictly avoided in back pain. They have limited effect on back pain but are associated with dangerous side effects.
Medical review by Dr Firoz Ahmed, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Guwahati.
Last Updated: May 2026
Medical Disclaimer:
Dr Firoz Ahmed
Sports Injury Specialist and Arthroscopy Surgeon
OPD: Mon–Sat | 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: ARHI Hospital, Jorabat (near Guwahati, Khanapara)
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