What is nerve-related back and neck pain?
Nerve-related back or neck pain happens when a nerve root is pressed or irritated where it leaves the spine, usually by a bulging disc or age-related wear known as spondylosis. Unlike ordinary muscular back pain, the pain shoots into an arm or a leg and may come with numbness, tingling or weakness. Sciatica, pain running down the back of the leg, is the most familiar example. Many people improve without surgery, but a few need urgent care.
Nerve-Related Back & Neck Pain at Curewell Speciality Clinic: at a glance
- Who you will see
- Dr. Mailan K (MBBS, DNB (Neuro), DPM, MHA, FICP)
- Tests that may be used
- An examination of strength, sensation and reflexes; an MRI if there is weakness or a warning sign; sometimes a nerve conduction study
- Treatment approach
- Staying gently active, medicines for nerve pain and physiotherapy; referral to a spine surgeon if weakness is significant or getting worse
- When it is an emergency
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals, or weakness in both legs: go to hospital the same day.
- Where and when
- #125, MM Road, Frazer Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome; call or WhatsApp 74066 57632.
Sciatica is the most familiar example: pain running from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, sometimes to the foot. In the neck, a pinched nerve can cause pain, tingling or weakness down the arm into the hand.
A neurologist helps work out which nerve is involved, how much it is affected, and whether the problem is in the spine or somewhere else along the nerve. Many people improve without surgery. Some need a scan or a surgical opinion, and a small number need urgent care.
What are the symptoms of nerve-related back and neck pain?
- Pain spreading from the lower back down a leg, or from the neck down an arm
- Numbness, tingling or pins and needles in the arm, hand, leg or foot
- Weakness — difficulty gripping, lifting the foot or climbing stairs
- Pain made worse by coughing, sneezing or sitting for long periods
- Neck stiffness with pain into the shoulder blade or arm
- Leg pain or heaviness on walking that eases on sitting or bending forward
One of these alone doesn't mean you have this condition; most symptoms have more than one cause. Not sure? When to see a neurologist
Emergency
Back pain with these signs needs a hospital the same day.
- New difficulty passing urine, or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs (“saddle” area).
- Weakness in both legs, or weakness that is quickly getting worse.
- Back pain with fever, after a fall or injury, or with a history of cancer.
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department now, or call 108 or 112.
How does Dr. Mailan K assess and treat nerve-related back and neck pain?
Four steps, at Curewell Speciality Clinic, #125 MM Road, Frazer Town.
Step 1: Assessment
Dr. Mailan K asks where the pain starts and spreads, what makes it better or worse, and about numbness, weakness and bladder or bowel changes. The examination checks movement, strength, sensation and reflexes to work out which nerve is affected.
Step 2: Diagnosis
Many people do not need a scan straight away. An MRI is advised when there is weakness, warning signs, or pain that is not settling as expected. A nerve conduction study may help separate a spinal nerve problem from a nerve trapped elsewhere, such as at the wrist.
Step 3: Treatment
Treatment often includes staying gently active, medicines for nerve pain, short courses of anti-inflammatory medicine where suitable, and physiotherapy focused on posture and core strength. If there is significant or worsening weakness, or the pain does not settle, referral to a spine surgeon is discussed.
Step 4: Follow-up
Follow-up checks pain, strength and sensation over time, so that any worsening is picked up early. Sleep and mood are also considered, because long-term pain affects both.
What should I bring to my first visit?
- Any X-ray, MRI or CT reports (and the films or CD if you have them)
- All medicines and painkillers you are taking
- Notes on any weakness, numbness, or bladder or bowel changes
- Physiotherapy notes, if you have had any treatment already
Questions about Nerve-Related Back & Neck Pain
Do I need an MRI for sciatica?
Not always. Many cases of sciatica improve without a scan. An MRI is usually advised if there is weakness, warning signs, or pain that does not settle. Dr. Mailan K will explain whether you need one.
Should I see a neurologist or an orthopaedic surgeon?
A neurologist is a good first step when pain comes with numbness, tingling or weakness, or when it is unclear whether the problem is in the spine or a nerve elsewhere. If surgery needs to be considered, you will be referred.
Will I need surgery?
Most people with nerve-related back or neck pain do not need surgery. It is considered when there is significant or worsening weakness, warning signs, or pain that does not respond to other treatment.
Is bed rest good for sciatica?
Long bed rest is generally not advised. Staying gently active, within the limits of the pain, usually helps recovery. Your doctor or physiotherapist can advise on what is safe for you.
Book a consultation with Dr. Mailan K
#125 MM Road, Frazer Town. Open Mon–Sat 10 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins welcome.
