Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor in India — and in Pune, I see dozens of patients every week who have been suffering for months or even years without the right diagnosis. Whether your back pain started after sitting at a desk, lifting something heavy, or simply woke you up one morning, understanding the cause is the first step to getting better. As a spine and pain specialist with over 13 years of experience, my goal is always the same: find the real source of your pain — not just treat an MRI report — and help you return to a pain-free, active life without surgery whenever possible. What Is Back Pain? (And Why Is It So Common?) Back pain refers to any discomfort felt in the upper, middle, or lower back. Lower back pain (lumbar pain) is the most common type, affecting up to 80% of people at some point in their lives. In Pune, with its growing IT culture, long commutes, and sedentary lifestyles, back pain has become almost an epidemic — especially among working professionals aged 25 to 50. Back pain can range from: • A dull, constant ache in the lower back • Sharp, stabbing pain that shoots down the leg (sciatica) • Stiffness in the morning that eases with movement • Pain that worsens after sitting or standing for long periods • Burning or tingling in the back, buttocks, or legs Top 10 Causes of Back Pain in Pune Patients In my clinical experience at Sigma Spine & Pain Clinic, these are the most common causes I see: 1. Muscle Strain & Poor Posture Long hours at a desk, poor sitting posture, and lack of core strength are the leading causes of back pain in young professionals. The muscles supporting the spine fatigue and tighten, causing persistent aching. 2. Disc Problems (Slip Disc / Herniated Disc) The discs between your vertebrae can bulge or herniate, pressing on nearby nerves. This causes pain that may radiate into the legs — a condition known as sciatica. Many patients come with MRI reports showing disc problems, but the good news is most disc issues do NOT require surgery. 3. Facet Joint Arthritis The small joints at the back of your spine (facet joints) can develop arthritis over time, causing localized back pain that worsens with bending backward or twisting. This is very treatable without surgery using targeted injections. 4. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction The joint connecting your spine to your pelvis can become inflamed or unstable, causing low back and hip pain. It is often misdiagnosed because it does not always show on MRI. 5. Degenerative Disc Disease As we age, the discs in the spine lose water content and become thinner. This 'wear and tear' can cause chronic back pain in people over 40. 6. Spondylolisthesis One vertebra slips over another, causing instability and nerve pressure. It often causes back pain along with leg pain. 7. Muscle Imbalance / Myofascial Pain Trigger points in the muscles of the back can cause deep, aching pain that is often missed because it doesn't show on any scan. Ultrasound-guided dry needling is highly effective for this. 8. Kidney-Related Pain Sometimes pain in the back, especially on one side near the ribs, can come from the kidneys. This is important to rule out early. 9. Stress and Poor Sleep Chronic stress keeps your muscles tense, and poor sleep worsens pain sensitivity. Many patients notice their back pain flares up during periods of high stress. 10. Post-Surgical Pain Some patients continue to experience back pain even after spine surgery. This is called Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS), and it is very treatable with advanced pain procedures. Warning Signs: When Back Pain Needs Urgent Attention Most back pain is not dangerous, but certain symptoms require immediate medical evaluation. See a spine specialist right away if your back pain is accompanied by: • Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet • Weakness in one or both legs • Loss of bladder or bowel control • Pain that wakes you from sleep • Fever along with back pain • Back pain after a fall or accident • Unexplained weight loss with back pain These could indicate a serious condition such as nerve compression, spinal infection, or in rare cases, a tumour. Do not delay — call us at +91-9823743726 immediately. How Is Back Pain Diagnosed? (Why MRI Is Not Always Enough) One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is that a normal MRI means there is nothing wrong — or conversely, that every MRI finding requires surgery. Neither is true. At Sigma Spine & Pain Clinic, my diagnostic approach goes beyond imaging: • Detailed clinical history — when did the pain start, what makes it better or worse, does it radiate? • Neurological examination — checking reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation • Ultrasound-guided assessment — real-time imaging to identify muscle, tendon, and joint issues • Diagnostic nerve blocks — to pinpoint the exact pain generator with precision • Review of MRI/X-ray reports in the context of your symptoms This thorough approach ensures that the treatment targets your actual pain source — not just what the scan shows. Non-Surgical Back Pain Treatments Available in Pune The majority of back pain conditions — even severe ones — can be treated effectively without surgery. Here are the advanced, evidence-based treatments I offer at my clinics in Baner and Aundh, Pune: Ultrasound-Guided Dry Needling Fine needles are inserted into trigger points in tight, painful muscles using real-time ultrasound guidance. This releases muscle knots, improves blood flow, and provides lasting pain relief. Ideal for myofascial back pain, muscle spasms, and postural pain. Epidural Steroid Injections A precisely placed injection of anti-inflammatory medication around the compressed nerve in the spine. Highly effective for disc herniation, sciatica, and nerve root pain. The procedure is done under image guidance for safety and accuracy. Facet Joint Injections Corticosteroid injections into the painful facet joints at the back of the spine. Provides significant relief for arthritis-related back pain. Can be combined with radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting results. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) A minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to 'switch off' the nerve carrying pain signals from the facet joints. Results typically last 12 to 24 months, making it one of the most effective long-term solutions for chronic back pain. Sacroiliac Joint Injections Targeted injection into the SI joint for patients with low back and hip pain originating from this joint. Often provides dramatic relief within days. Nerve Root Blocks A targeted injection at the specific nerve root that is compressed or inflamed. Excellent for patients with radiculopathy (pain radiating down the leg). Regenerative Pain Procedures Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and other regenerative techniques that promote healing of damaged discs, joints, and ligaments. A cutting-edge option for patients who want to address the underlying damage, not just the pain. Personalized Rehabilitation Every treatment plan includes guidance on posture correction, core strengthening, ergonomics, and lifestyle changes to prevent recurrence and build long-term spine health. 5 Things You Can Do Today to Relieve Back Pain Fix your sitting posture Sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and screen at eye level. Avoid slouching forward. Move every 30–45 minutes Prolonged sitting is one of the biggest aggravators of back pain. Set a timer and walk for 2–3 minutes every hour. Apply heat, not ice, for chronic pain For ongoing back pain (not an acute injury), a warm pack or hot water bottle relaxes tight muscles far better than ice. Strengthen your core Gentle exercises like pelvic tilts, bird-dog, and dead bug activate the deep core muscles that support your spine. Always learn these from a professional before starting. Sleep on a medium-firm mattress Your sleep position matters. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees keeps your spine aligned and reduces morning stiffness. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: How do I know if my back pain needs surgery? A: The vast majority of back pain — even with disc herniation or sciatica — does not need surgery. Surgery is considered only when there is progressive neurological weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or when all conservative and minimally invasive treatments have been tried and failed. In my practice, I help more than 90% of patients avoid surgery through advanced non-surgical techniques. Q: How long does back pain treatment take? A: It depends on the cause and severity. Some patients feel significant relief after one procedure. Others with chronic or complex pain require a structured treatment plan over 4 to 12 weeks. I always give you a realistic timeline after your first consultation. Q: Is it safe to exercise with back pain? A: In most cases, yes — but the type of exercise matters enormously. High-impact activities like running or heavy weight training can worsen pain during flares. Gentle movement, walking, and targeted physiotherapy are almost always safe and beneficial. I will guide you specifically based on your condition. Q: Can back pain come back after treatment? A: Without addressing the underlying cause and lifestyle factors, back pain can recur. That is why my treatment plans always include rehabilitation, posture correction, and ergonomic advice — to prevent recurrence, not just relieve the current episode. Q: Do I need an MRI before consulting you? A: No. You can come for a consultation with or without previous scans. I will take a full history and examination first, and order investigations only if they will change my treatment plan. Consult Dr. Priya Rathi — Pune's Trusted Back Pain Specialist If you or a loved one has been suffering from back pain, don't wait. Early and accurate diagnosis leads to faster recovery and better outcomes. I offer a comprehensive, patient-centred approach that combines cutting-edge pain medicine with honest guidance about what your body actually needs. I see patients at two conveniently located clinics in Pune: • 🏥 Sigma Spine & Pain Clinic — Pan Card Club Road, Baner, Pune 411045 | Timings: 11am–1pm & 5pm–7pm 📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91-9823743726 🌐 Website: www.drpriyarathi.com ✉️ Email: drpriyarathi20@gmail.com Don't let back pain control your life. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment of your specific condition.