Back pain specialist Pune
Back pain specialist Pune– Dr. Alok Gadkari
If you’re seeking expert care for Back pain specialist Pune Dr. Alok Gadkari stands out as leading specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery. With extensive training and a focus on patient-centered care, Dr. Gadkari offers advanced solutions for individuals suffering from sciatica and other spinal disorders.
If you’re searching for the best Back Pain Doctor In Pune look no further than Dr. Alok Gadkari, a highly respected and experienced spine surgeon known for his compassionate care, precision, and commitment to patient recovery. With years of expertise in diagnosing and treating spinal disorders, Dr. Gadkari has earned a reputation as one of Pune’s leading spine specialists.
What is Back Pain?
Back pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or soreness that originates anywhere along the spine — from the neck (cervical spine) to the lower back (lumbar spine) and even into the tailbone (sacral area). It can range from a mild, dull ache to sharp, stabbing pain that radiates down the legs.
Back pain. It’s an ailment that affects countless individuals in Pune, from young professionals navigating busy commutes to seniors enjoying their retirement years. The discomfort can range from a dull, persistent ache to a sharp, debilitating pain that makes even the simplest daily tasks feel insurmountable. Whether it’s a recent twinge from lifting something heavy or a chronic condition that has plagued you for years,
Common Types of Back Pain
- Acute Back Pain: This is sudden onset pain, often related to a specific injury or event, and typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks.
- Subacute Back Pain: Pain that lasts between four or twelve weeks.
- Chronic Back Pain: Pain that persists for twelve weeks and longer, even after initial injury underlying cause may have resolved. Chronic back pain can be more complex to manage.
- Upper Back Pain (Thoracic Spine): Pain in the region between the neck and the lower back. This is less common than lower back pain and is often related to posture, muscle strains, or rib joint issues.
- Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Spine): The most common type of back pain, affecting the area below the rib cage and above the hips.
- Neck Pain (Cervical Spine): While technically not “back” pain, neck pain is often considered alongside back issues due to the spine’s interconnected nature and shared causes
Risk Factors for Back Pain
Age: Back pain more prevalent with age as spine gets worn out.
Obesity: Extra weight places extra pressure at spine.
Poor Physical Fitness: Weakened abdominal muscles may lead to instability inside back.
Poor Lifting Mechanics: Heavy lifting without proper technique can strain muscles and ligaments of the back.
Long Time Sitting or Standing: Static postures for long periods of time can strain the back.
Psychological: Stress, anxiety, and depression may at times cause or make back pain worse.
Smoking: Smoking decreases blood supply to the spine and may impede healing.
Genetics: Your risk might be higher if there is a family history of back issues
Treatment Approaches
- Physical Therapy: Specialized exercise therapy to enhance flexibility and strength.
- Medications: Painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, and muscle relaxants.
- Spinal Injections: Epidural injections of steroids for the reduction of inflammation.
- Lifestyle Changes: Posture and ergonomic advice as well as modification of activities.
- Endoscopic Discectomy: Minimally invasive removal of herniated disc material.
- Microscopic Discectomy: Targeted removal of disc fragments causing nerve compression.
- Cervical Disc Replacement: Replacing damaged cervical discs with prosthetic devices.
- Spine Fixation: Stabilizing the spine using vertebral fixation devices.
- Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty: Minimally invasive procedures to treat vertebral compression fractures
Why Your Back Might Be Hurting
Dr. Gadkari actively contributes to the field of spinal surgery through research. Notably, he co-authored a study on full endoscopic lumbar spine surgery, focusing on clinical safety and the learning curve associated with the procedure.
Key Symptoms of Back Pain
- Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains: These frequent causes of acute back pain, often resulting from sudden awkward movements, heavy lifting or sports injuries. The pain is typically localized or may be accompanied by muscle spasms and stiffness.
- Herniated Disc (Slipped Disc): As discussed in the context of sciatica, a herniated disc in the lumbar or cervical spine can compress nearby nerves, leading to not only back pain but also radiating pain down the leg (sciatica) or arm, as well as numbness and weakness. A back pain doctor in Pune is well-equipped to diagnose and treat herniated discs.
- Spinal Stenosis: The narrowing of the spinal canal, often due to age-related degenerative changes, can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing back pain that may worsen with standing and also walking or improve with sitting or bending forward.
- Osteoarthritis (Spinal Arthritis): The wear and tear of the facet joints in the spine can lead to pain, stiffness, and inflammation, particularly in older adults in Pune.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the intervertebral discs can lose their hydration and elasticity, leading to pain, instability, and an increased risk of other spinal problems.
- Spondylolisthesis: The slipping of one vertebra forward over another can cause lower back pain and nerve compression.
- Sciatica: While a symptom, sciatica (pain radiating down the leg due to sciatic nerve irritation) is a common reason why individuals in Pune seek the help of a back pain doctor.
- Scoliosis and Kyphosis: Abnormal curvatures of the spine can sometimes lead to back pain, especially in adults.
- Spinal Fractures: These can result from trauma or osteoporosis and require immediate medical attention from a back pain specialist in Pune.
- Infections: Although rare, spinal infections can cause severe back pain, often accompanied by fever and other systemic symptoms.
- Tumors: Spinal tumors, while uncommon, can cause back pain and neurological symptoms.
- Non-Spinal Causes: Sometimes, back pain can be referred pain from other conditions, such as kidney stones, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or certain gynecological issues. A thorough back pain doctor in Pune will consider these possibilities.
Diagnosis of Scoliosis
The initial assessment includes a detailed medical history and a physical exam. One common test is the Adams Forward Bend Test, where the patient bends forward, and the specialist observes for any asymmetry or rib hump, indicative of scoliosis.
- X-rays: Determine the degree of spinal curvature using the Cobb angle measurement.
- MRI: Evaluates spinal cord and also detects any underlying conditions.
- CT Scans: Provides detailed images of the spine’s structure.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Alok Gadkari
If you are experiencing neck pain, back pain, or any spine-related issues, do not ignore the symptoms. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent long-term complications. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alok Gadkari, the best spine specialist in Pune, and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
📲 Call now or book online for a detailed consultation.