Backache is a widespread health issue that happens to individuals because of various causes, like muscle strain, back disorders, and normal habits. Figuring out what causes it is key to both preventing and treating it. There are various means to make people feel better, ranging from basic things such as physical therapy and medication to performing more complex surgeries. In India, you can get high-quality back pain treatment at a relatively affordable price. That's why so many medical tourists from around the world choose the country for their care.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Back Pain?
Well, that's a question many people want to know the answer to. Back pain is a health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. While a little bit of pain from temporary strain might be manageable, long-lasting back pain usually has a specific underlying cause. Knowing what that cause is the first step to finding the right treatment and getting some real pain relief. Those US residents experiencing persistent discomfort, and severe back pain treatment in Texas can provide specialized care tailored to their needs.
Causes of Back Pain
- Muscle or Ligament Strain
Muscle or ligament strain is caused by sudden movement, incorrect lifting, or excessive physical activity, leading to stabbing pain. Poor posture in everyday life only causes stress and additional pain. Recuperation usually is all about resting up, taking some anti-inflammatory medicines, and physical therapy depending on the severity of the injury.
- Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is another common cause of lower back pains. When one of those discs located in your spine becomes damaged or bulges from its contact with the nerve around it, it can bring about an incidence of nerve pressure. Pain may occur radiating from the back down your limbs. This condition is increased with age and repetitive movements. You have it if the sharp pain cutting across the thigh is associated with numbness. Physiotherapy, pain-relieving medications and surgery to relieve nerve pressure in the most severe cases are treatments.
- Arthritis
Arthritis is the wearing of the cartilage between your joints as it depicts the spine. More inflammatory symptoms such as stiffness and constant pain accompany it. Usually, the symptoms worsen as time goes by. Therefore, pain management mainly consists of anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and joint fusion procedures in some cases to reduce severity.
- Poor Posture
Poor postures also lead to it. Sitting in an awkward position or slouching for long times can put pressure on your spine, misaligning it and tiring the muscles. With time, it becomes chronic pain. Using ergonomic chairs and following proper posture habits will keep the spine in good shape and prevent further complications.
- Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle is another risk factor. Inadequate physical activity makes back muscles weak, increasing the likelihood of experiencing pain and injury, especially in individuals who sit for hours on end. Daily exercise like yoga or strength training can support your back and provide it with a little more power.
- Injury or Trauma
Again, injury or trauma can cause intense pain. Accidents, falls or sudden impacts can injure muscles, nerves or structures within the spinal canal. Fractures and internal injuries need urgent medical attention before complications set in. Treatment for injuries will depend on their severity and can include rehabilitation therapy and surgery where necessary.
Types of Back Pain Treatments and Surgeries
Back pain treatments and surgery can range from simple, non-invasive strategies to highly invasive procedures. The more one knows about the alternatives and what works, the more empowered one is to choose one that has worked well for the individual patient and fits into the budget. For those dealing with persistent discomfort, severe back pain treatment in Texas offers specialized solutions to help manage and alleviate pain effectively.
There are numerous methods of treating back pain. What is right for you will depend on how severe the condition is and what you hope to achieve to be back on your feet. Here are some common treatments—and their estimated costs in India and the USA:
- Physical Therapy
That is always a good place to start. It would strengthen your back muscles, improve posture and reduce pain through specific exercises and manipulation techniques. One session could cost anywhere between $12 to $30 in India; and in the US, between $50-$150 per session.
- Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area. That can provide temporary relief from pain caused by nerve compression. One injection in India costs between $120 and $240, while in the USA it is $1,000-$2,000.
- Spinal Fusion Surgery
Spinal fusion surgery fuses two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine and reduce pain caused by degenerative disc disease. That procedure costs anywhere from $2,400 to $4,800 in India and between $50,000 and $75,000 in the US.
- Laminectomy
Laminectomy involves removing part of a vertebra to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. That's often performed for spinal stenosis. The procedure costs between $1,800 and $3,600 in India, while in the USA it can cost between $20,000 and $50,000.
- Discectomy
Discectomy surgery removes a herniated disc that's pressing on a nerve. That can help relieve pain and improve mobility. A discectomy in India costs between $1,200 and $3,000, whereas in the USA, it costs between $15,000 and $35,000.
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is applied using heat to prevent aching messages from nerves and it provides relief to individuals suffering from persistent back pain conditions. In India, its cost varies from $600 to $1,200, while in the USA, it will cost between $5,000 and $10,000.
You can see a price comparison table for back pain treatments and surgeries in the US and India below.
|
Procedure |
Cost in India |
Cost in the USA |
|
Physical Therapy |
$12–$30 per session |
$50–$150 per session |
|
Epidural Steroid Injections |
$120–$240 |
$1,000–$2,000 |
|
Spinal Fusion Surgery |
$2,400–$4,800 |
$50,000–$75,000 |
|
Laminectomy |
$1,800–$3,600 |
$20,000–$50,000 |
|
Discectomy |
$1,200–$3,000 |
$15,000–$35,000 |
|
Radiofrequency Ablation |
$600–$1,200 |
$5,000–$10,000 |
When Is Surgery Needed to Treat Back Pain?
Back pain surgery is usually recommended when nothing else has worked—and when there's a clear structural issue that can only be fixed with surgery. One common reason for surgery is a herniated or bulging disc pressing on nerves. When that happens, you can feel intense pain, numbness or weakness. For those exploring non-surgical or surgical options in the US, severe back pain treatment in Texas offers comprehensive care tailored to individual needs.
Spinal stenosis is another condition where surgery might be needed. It happens when the spinal canal is narrowed, which causes pain and neurological problems. When conservative treatments fail, a surgical intervention can be undertaken to provide more room for the spinal cord and nerves. In the same way, spondylolisthesis, which is when one vertebra slips forward on another vertebra, can cause nerve compression and chronic pain. In case the symptoms become unbearable, lower back fusion surgery in California can be done to stabilize the spine.
Patients with chronic back pain often seek advanced treatments in specialized medical centres, such as those in the USA, where lower back fusion surgery in California and other spinal procedures are commonly performed. Those centres in the US, where lower back fusion surgery is commonly performed, can offer a range of spinal procedures. Acute spinal fractures caused by trauma or osteoporosis may require surgical intervention to restore stability and prevent further complications. Additionally, individuals suffering from degenerative disc disease may consider lower back fusion surgery in California to improve spinal function and reduce pain. In some cases, spinal tumours that are causing instability or nerve compression must be removed surgically, at times in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapy.
A few patients continue to have pain despite back surgery, a syndrome referred to as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS). In these instances, additional surgical alternatives may be considered. Severe degenerative disc disease can lead to chronic pain and disability. If other treatments aren't effective, surgery might be the last resort. Spinal infections that don't respond to antibiotics may also require surgery to remove the infected tissue. Before recommending surgery, doctors conduct thorough evaluations and try non-surgical treatments first. Surgery is considered a last option, aimed at improving the patient's quality of life.
Why Patients Choose India for Back Pain Treatment?
Back pain treatment in the USA is very expensive and many patients can't afford quality medical care. India has emerged as a leading medical tourism destination offering high-quality back pain treatment at a much lower cost. The cost of treatment in India ranges from $120 to $4800 depending on the hospital, surgeon and complexity of the procedure. Lower operational and living expenses contribute to these lower costs making India a preferred choice for international patients. Medical tourism facilitators like Racure Healthcare help patients connect with top hospitals in India and get high-quality treatment at affordable rates. Top hospitals like Fortis Hospital and Manipal Hospitals (Dwarka) are equipped with the latest technology and experienced surgeons providing world-class healthcare at a fraction of the cost of the USA.
