Published: April 26, 2025 | By Dr. Shyam, Neurosurgeon

Low back pain is a common complaint in Madurai, affecting everyone from shopkeepers lifting heavy goods to office workers sitting for long hours at desks. Whether it’s a dull ache that lingers or a sharp pain that stops you from enjoying a walk to Meenakshi Temple, low back pain can disrupt daily life. Understanding all reasons for low back pain is the first step toward finding relief and preventing recurrence. This blog explores the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, offering insights tailored for Madurai residents.

I’m Dr. Shyam, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 10 years of experience in brain and spine surgery. Based in Madurai, I’ve earned Gold Medals and international fellowships from leading centers in the U.S. and Japan. At DrShyam.com, my team and I specialize in diagnosing and treating spine-related conditions, including low back pain, using cutting-edge 2025 technologies like robotic-assisted surgery and AI-driven diagnostics. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll detail all reasons for low back pain, share a patient’s story, and provide practical tips to manage and prevent it.

What Is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain refers to discomfort or pain in the lumbar spine, the lower part of the back between the ribcage and pelvis. It can range from mild to severe, acute (lasting days to weeks) to chronic (lasting over three months), and may involve muscles, bones, nerves, or discs.

Types of Low Back Pain

• Mechanical: Caused by strain on muscles, ligaments, or joints, often from poor posture or lifting.
• Neurological: Involves nerve compression, like sciatica, causing radiating pain or numbness.
• Medical: Linked to underlying conditions like infections or kidney issues.

Key Facts

• Prevalence: In 2025, low back pain affects millions globally, with India reporting high rates due to occupational and lifestyle factors.
• Impact: It limits mobility, work, and quality of life, especially in Madurai’s physically demanding environment.
• Madurai Context: From carrying loads in markets to long commutes on two-wheelers, local lifestyles contribute to low back pain.

As a neurosurgeon, I’ve treated countless patients with low back pain, helping them identify causes and achieve lasting relief.

All Reasons for Low Back Pain

Low back pain can stem from a wide range of causes, from everyday activities to serious medical conditions. Below, I outline all reasons for low back pain based on my experience in Madurai:

1. Muscle or Ligament Strain

• What It Is: Overuse, heavy lifting, or sudden movements can strain lumbar muscles or ligaments, causing pain and stiffness.
• Madurai Context: Common among market vendors, construction workers, or farmers lifting heavy items like rice sacks or equipment.
• Example: Bending to load goods onto a cart without proper technique.

2. Herniated or Bulging Disc

• What It Is: Lumbar discs bulge or rupture, pressing on nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or sciatica (radiating leg pain).
• Madurai Context: Seen in younger adults with sedentary jobs or older individuals with disc degeneration.
• Example: A software engineer sitting for 10 hours daily at a desk.

3. Degenerative Disc Disease

• What It Is: Age-related wear of lumbar discs reduces cushioning, causing pain and stiffness.
• Madurai Context: Prevalent in those over 50, especially retirees experiencing morning stiffness.
• Example: An elderly resident feeling pain after walking to a local temple.

4. Spinal Arthritis (Spondylosis)

• What It Is: Osteoarthritis or wear of spinal joints leads to inflammation and pain.
• Madurai Context: Common in older adults, exacerbated by repetitive physical tasks.
• Example: A shopkeeper standing for long hours daily.

5. Spondylolisthesis

• What It Is: A vertebra slips forward over another, causing instability and pain.
• Madurai Context: May occur in active individuals or those with prior spinal injuries.
• Example: A sports enthusiast with a history of back strain.

6. Spinal Stenosis

• What It Is: Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Madurai Context: More common in older adults, often linked to degenerative changes.
• Example: A senior experiencing leg pain while walking short distances.

7. Sciatica (Nerve Compression)

• What It Is: Compression of the sciatic nerve, often by a herniated disc, causes radiating pain to the buttocks or legs.
• Madurai Context: Affects workers with repetitive tasks or prolonged sitting.
• Example: A bus driver with leg pain after long shifts.

8. Scoliosis or Structural Abnormalities

• What It Is: Abnormal spinal curvature or congenital issues cause uneven stress and pain.
• Madurai Context: Noticed in children or adults during physical activities.
• Example: A student with uneven posture during school sports.

9. Trauma or Injury

• What It Is: Falls, accidents, or sports injuries can fracture vertebrae or damage soft tissues.
• Madurai Context: Common on Madurai’s busy roads, where two-wheeler accidents occur.
• Example: A motorist with back pain after a minor collision.

10. Infections

• What It Is: Spinal infections, like vertebral osteomyelitis or discitis, cause severe pain, often with fever.
• Madurai Context: Rare but possible in warm climates, where infections like tuberculosis (TB) persist.
• Example: Persistent pain with fever, requiring urgent care.

11. Tumors

• What It Is: Benign or malignant spinal tumors compress nerves or structures, causing pain.
• Madurai Context: Rare, but metastatic tumors from other cancers can affect the spine.
• Example: Night pain with weight loss, signaling a serious condition.

12. Kidney Issues

• What It Is: Kidney stones or infections can mimic low back pain, often with urinary symptoms.
• Madurai Context: Seen in dehydrated individuals, common in Madurai’s heat.
• Example: Flank pain with burning urination.

13. Gynecological Conditions

• What It Is: Endometriosis, fibroids, or pregnancy-related changes can cause referred low back pain.
• Madurai Context: Affects women, especially during pregnancy or menstruation.
• Example: A pregnant woman with pelvic and back discomfort.

14. Lifestyle and Postural Factors

• Poor Posture: Slouching at desks or while riding two-wheelers strains the lumbar spine.
• Obesity: Excess weight stresses the back, rising in urban Madurai.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise weakens core muscles, increasing pain risk.
• Stress: Psychological stress tightens muscles, contributing to pain.
• Madurai Context: Common in tech professionals, students, and commuters.

Madurai Context

Madurai’s unique blend of rural and urban lifestyles—think heavy lifting in markets or long commutes on bumpy roads—amplifies low back pain risks. Cultural tendencies to dismiss pain as “normal” often delay care, worsening outcomes.

Symptoms of Low Back Pain

Recognizing symptoms helps identify the cause and seek timely treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Pain: Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the lower back, worsened by movement, sitting, or standing.
• Stiffness: Difficulty bending, standing straight, or moving freely, especially in the morning.
• Radiating Pain: Pain shooting to the buttocks, thighs, or legs, often with sciatica.
• Numbness or Tingling: Sensations in the legs or feet, suggesting nerve compression.
• Weakness: Trouble walking, lifting, or standing for long, indicating nerve or muscle issues.
• Red Flags: Fever, weight loss, bladder/bowel issues, or night pain, signaling serious conditions like infections or tumors.

Madurai Context

In Madurai, patients often attribute low back pain to physical labor or heat, delaying medical evaluation. Symptoms lasting over a week, worsening at night, or including neurological signs like numbness require prompt attention.

How Is Low Back Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosis identifies the cause, guiding treatment. At DrShyam.com, we use a systematic approach:

• Medical History: Reviewing symptoms, lifestyle (e.g., desk work, lifting), and medical history, often in Tamil for clarity.
• Physical Exam: Testing lumbar mobility, reflexes, strength, and sensation to assess nerve and muscle function.
• Imaging:
  • X-rays: Detect bone issues like fractures or spondylosis.
  • MRI/CT Scans: Visualize discs, nerves, or tumors, with 2025 AI-enhanced imaging for accuracy.
• Nerve Studies: Electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction tests evaluate nerve damage if numbness or weakness is present.
• Blood Tests: Rule out infections (e.g., TB) or inflammatory conditions.

Madurai’s advanced diagnostics, available at DrShyam.com and major hospitals, ensure precise identification of low back pain causes.

Which Doctor to Consult for Low Back Pain?

Choosing the right specialist depends on the suspected cause:

• General Practitioner (GP): For mild, acute pain (e.g., muscle strain), start with a GP for medications or referrals.
• Orthopedic Surgeon: For bone or joint issues like arthritis or fractures.
• Neurologist: For neurological symptoms like numbness or radiating pain.
• Neurosurgeon: For severe cases involving herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors, as treated at DrShyam.com.
• Physical Therapist: For rehabilitation or posture correction, often post-referral.
• Pain Specialist: For chronic pain needing injections or advanced therapies.

If symptoms include fever, weight loss, or paralysis, seek emergency care at hospitals like Meenakshi Mission.

A Patient’s Story: Kumar’s Recovery from Low Back Pain

Let me share the story of Kumar (name changed), a 40-year-old Madurai taxi driver I treated in 2024. Kumar suffered from low back pain for over a year, with pain radiating to his leg, making long drives unbearable. He initially used painkillers and rest, assuming it was due to driving, but the symptoms worsened.

Kumar visited a GP, who referred him to a neurologist. An MRI revealed a herniated lumbar disc compressing the sciatic nerve. Referred to me at DrShyam.com, I performed a minimally invasive microdiscectomy using 2025 robotic-assisted technology. Kumar also worked with a physical therapist to strengthen his core and improve posture. Within three months, he resumed driving pain-free, grateful for the relief.

Kumar’s story shows how identifying the cause—here, a herniated disc—and seeking specialist care can restore normalcy.

Treatment Options for Low Back Pain

Treatment varies by cause and severity:

• Non-Surgical:
  • Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, or nerve pain drugs (e.g., gabapentin).
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen core muscles and correct posture.
  • Injections: Epidural steroids or facet joint injections for nerve-related pain.
• Surgical:
  • Microdiscectomy: Removes herniated disc material for sciatica.
  • Spinal Fusion: Stabilizes the spine for spondylolisthesis or arthritis.
  • Laminectomy: Relieves spinal stenosis by removing bone or tissue.
  • Tumor/Infection Surgery: Addresses rare causes, using 2025 techniques.
• Lifestyle Changes: Weight loss, posture correction, and stress management, tailored to Madurai’s lifestyle.

Madurai’s healthcare, including DrShyam.com, offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions, ensuring comprehensive care.

Tips for Managing and Preventing Low Back Pain in Madurai

Support your spine with these practical tips:

1. Improve Posture: Sit straight at desks or while riding two-wheelers, using ergonomic chairs if possible.
2. Stay Active: Walk or practice yoga for 30 minutes daily to strengthen core muscles.
3. Manage Weight: Eat a balanced diet with greens (keerai) and lentils (paruppu) to reduce spine stress.
4. Use Proper Lifting Techniques: Bend at the knees, not the waist, when lifting heavy items.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink 2–3 liters of water daily, adding tender coconut to beat Madurai’s heat.

Why Madurai Residents Need to Know About Low Back Pain

Low back pain is prevalent in Madurai due to:

• Occupational Demands: Heavy lifting in markets or prolonged sitting in offices.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity and sedentary habits, rising in urban areas.
• Cultural Tendencies: Delaying care, assuming pain is “normal,” risks complications.

At DrShyam.com, we’re committed to raising awareness and guiding residents to timely care.

Take the Next Step

Low back pain doesn’t have to control your life. Understanding its causes and seeking timely care can restore your comfort and mobility. At DrShyam.com, we’re here to provide Madurai residents with world-class diagnosis and treatment for low back pain. Visit DrShyam.com or call us to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to keep your spine healthy and pain-free.