Back pain is extremely common and most episodes are not caused by a dangerous disease. Even so, a good assessment looks for urgent warning signs, nerve involvement and factors that may prolong disability, then supports safe movement and recovery instead of treating every scan change as damage.
WHICH DOCTOR SHOULD I SEE?
See a orthopaedic doctor for back pain
At Lotus Hospital in HSR Layout, back pain is assessed by the Orthopaedics team. For severe or sudden symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department or call 112.
Orthopaedics
Dr. Sridhar Reddy
Also listed as Dr. Shridhar Reddy
- Qualifications
- MBBS, MS (Ortho), FIAS
- Experience
- 19 years
- Fee
- ₹700
- Languages
- English
- Registration
- KMC 70540
★ 97% (2674 votes) on Practo
Joint pain · Back and neck pain · Sports and activity-related injuries · Musculoskeletal injuries
Orthopaedics
Dr. Srinivas Reddy G.
Also listed as Dr. Srinivas Reddy
- Qualifications
- D.Ortho, DNB (Ortho)
- Experience
- 21 years
- Fee
- ₹700
- Languages
- English
- Registration
- KMC 55782
Trauma and fractures · Joint replacement (arthroplasty) · Arthroscopic surgery · Sports injuries and sports medicine
Orthopaedics
Dr. K. N. Srinivas
- Qualifications
- MBBS, MS (Ortho), D.Ortho
- Experience
- 38 years
- Fee
- ₹700
- Languages
- English
- Registration
- KMC 23471
Joint replacement · Knee pain and osteoarthritis · Hip pain and arthritis · Back pain
How back pain can present
Pain may stay in the lower back, spread into the buttock or travel down a leg. Movement, posture, coughing, sleep and activity can alter symptoms. Numbness, tingling or weakness suggests nerve involvement and should be described precisely.
Age-related disc and joint changes are common on imaging, including in people without pain. A scan result needs clinical context.
- Location and spread
- Onset after load or without injury
- Leg pain or altered sensation
- Movement and position response
- Sleep and daily function
- Previous episodes and treatment
Red flags that should not wait
New difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly progressive leg weakness, major trauma, fever with severe pain or back pain with important cancer or infection risk needs urgent medical assessment.
Sudden chest or abdominal symptoms can also be felt in the back. Seek emergency help when pain is accompanied by collapse, severe breathlessness or other acute systemic symptoms.
- Bladder or bowel change
- Saddle numbness
- Increasing leg weakness
- Major trauma
- Fever or serious systemic illness
- Collapse or acute chest symptoms
Assessment and the role of imaging
History and examination consider movement, strength, reflexes, sensation, walking and hip or abdominal features when relevant. Imaging is used when a serious cause is suspected or when the result is likely to change treatment.
Routine early imaging for uncomplicated back pain can reveal incidental changes and does not necessarily improve recovery. Ask what question a proposed scan will answer.
- Neurological examination
- Function and movement
- Work and activity demands
- Psychosocial recovery barriers
- Targeted imaging
- Review if symptoms change
Returning to movement
For uncomplicated back pain, prolonged bed rest can increase weakness and fear. A graded return to normal activity, exercise and symptom management is usually more useful. The exact programme should reflect ability and goals.
Persistent pain can involve sleep, stress, work demands and nervous-system sensitivity as well as tissues. A coordinated plan may include physiotherapy, medical review and support for these broader factors.
- Keep gently active
- Temporarily modify aggravating loads
- Build mobility and strength
- Address sleep and work setup
- Review medicine risks
- Set function-based goals
Medical information is general and does not replace an individual consultation.
PATIENT QUESTIONS
Back Pain: questions patients ask
What causes back pain?
Most back pain comes from strain of the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine, often linked to posture, lifting, inactivity or sudden movement. Other causes include disc problems, nerve compression causing sciatica, arthritis of the spine and, rarely, infection, fracture or tumour. Many episodes improve within a few weeks.
When should I see a doctor for back pain?
See a doctor if back pain lasts more than a few weeks, is getting worse, keeps you awake at night, spreads down the leg with numbness or tingling, or follows a fall or injury. Earlier review is wise if you are over 50, have a history of cancer or have unexplained weight loss or fever.
Do I need an MRI for back pain?
Most people with back pain do not need an MRI at first, because scans often show age-related changes that do not explain symptoms. An MRI is usually reserved for red-flag symptoms, nerve problems that are worsening or not improving, or when surgery or injection is being considered. Your doctor will advise.
How is back pain treated?
Treatment usually includes staying as active as possible, physiotherapy and targeted exercises, simple pain relief and advice on posture and lifting. Persistent nerve pain may need specific medicines or, in selected cases, injections. Surgery is considered for specific problems such as severe nerve compression that does not improve.
When is back pain an emergency?
Seek emergency care immediately for back pain with numbness around the groin or buttocks, new loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness in both legs, back pain after significant trauma, or back pain with fever. These can signal serious nerve compression or other urgent problems. Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Which doctor should I see for back pain at Lotus?
An orthopaedic doctor can assess back pain, look for red flags and coordinate physiotherapy or further tests. Book online with an orthopaedic doctor listed on the Orthopaedics page, send a WhatsApp message, or call the care team on +91 80505 98999. Bring any previous scans and a list of medicines.
LOCATION & DIRECTIONS
Getting to Lotus Hospital, HSR Layout
Lotus Multi Speciality Hospital
2361, 24th Main Road, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
Near Bangalore One, HSR Layout 1st Sector
Open 24 hours, 7 days · OPD timings vary by doctor
Lotus is on 24th Main Road in Sector 1, near Bangalore One. Autos and cabs can drop at the entrance on 24th Main.
Head into HSR Sector 1 from the Agara Lake side of the Outer Ring Road and continue to 24th Main Road.
Take the Sarjapur Road or 27th Main HSR approach towards Sector 1, then turn onto 24th Main Road.
Travel along the Outer Ring Road towards Agara, enter HSR Layout Sector 1 and continue to 24th Main Road.
Use the Outer Ring Road from Silk Board towards HSR Layout and turn into Sector 1.
Cross from Hosur Road into HSR Layout through the Sector 7 side and continue north to Sector 1.
Come towards Agara and the Outer Ring Road junction, then into HSR Layout Sector 1.
Take Hosur Road to Silk Board, then the Outer Ring Road into HSR Layout. Best for planned visits.
Travel time changes with traffic. Check live directions before you leave and allow time for registration.