You wake up with a stiff lower back and assume you simply slept in the wrong position. A few days pass, but the discomfort is still there. Then you notice that sitting at your desk, bending down or standing for long periods has become uncomfortable.
Back pain is extremely common, and many episodes improve with time. But when pain persists, repeatedly returns or starts affecting your normal routine, it deserves a proper assessment.
A short episode of back pain after unusual physical activity may settle with rest and sensible movement.
However, persistent pain should not be ignored simply because it is common. If symptoms continue or keep returning, a medical evaluation can help identify what may be causing them.
Back pain accompanied by pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg can sometimes indicate irritation of a nerve.
That does not automatically mean you need surgery. But these symptoms should be assessed rather than repeatedly treated with painkillers without understanding the cause.
Think about what the pain is stopping you from doing.
If you have stopped exercising, struggle to sit through work, avoid lifting normal household items or cannot sleep comfortably, the problem is affecting your quality of life.
That is a good reason to seek professional advice.
This is one of the most common misconceptions we encounter.
People often believe that the best way to investigate back pain is to immediately get an MRI. But imaging is not automatically necessary for every episode of back pain.
A good clinical assessment can help determine whether imaging is needed and which investigation would actually provide useful information.
We often see patients who have been switching between painkillers, hot packs and home remedies for months. One typical patient had started avoiding normal physical activity because they were worried that movement would make the pain worse.
After evaluation, the focus shifted toward understanding the source of the symptoms and gradually restoring safe movement rather than simply avoiding activity.
This is an important point: rest is not always the answer to persistent back pain. In many situations, appropriate movement and rehabilitation are part of recovery.
Back pain can have many causes, including muscle strain, joint problems, disc-related conditions, nerve irritation and injuries.
Sometimes the cause is difficult to identify from symptoms alone. That is why a proper history and physical examination are important before deciding on treatment.
Some symptoms should not be brushed aside.
Severe pain following a significant accident, new weakness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin area or other sudden neurological changes require prompt medical attention.
If you experience these symptoms, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
The World Health Organization reported in 2023 that low back pain affected about 619 million people globally in 2020, with the number projected to rise substantially by 2050.
The scale of the problem explains why practical, evidence-based management matters. At the same time, a common condition should not mean that every person's symptoms are treated exactly the same way.
Dr. A.K. Suchdev is an orthopedic surgeon who evaluates musculoskeletal conditions, including problems that can contribute to persistent back pain. For patients experiencing ongoing discomfort, restricted movement or symptoms extending into the legs, a specialist assessment can help identify the likely cause and guide appropriate treatment. Depending on the condition, management may involve non-surgical care, rehabilitation or further intervention.
Consider medical evaluation when back pain persists, repeatedly returns, interferes with daily activities or is accompanied by leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.
For many uncomplicated episodes of back pain, staying gently active can be more helpful than prolonged bed rest. However, the appropriate activity level depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
No. Most back pain does not automatically require surgery. Treatment depends on the underlying condition and may include medication, physiotherapy, exercise, activity modification or other approaches.
You shouldn't have to plan your day around whether your back will hurt.
If your pain is persistent, recurring or interfering with normal activities, schedule a professional evaluation and find out what may be causing it before continuing with self-treatment.
Take the first step toward managing your back pain properly—book an orthopedic consultation today.
Dr. Anil Kumar Suchdev.All Rights Reserved © 2026
