STAFF CORRESPONDENT

Nine in every 10 patients suffering from back pain can get well through rest and physical activities without taking any painkillers, said physicians at a seminar yesterday.

Painkillers can also cause severe damage to different organs, including kidneys, they said at the seminar at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

The medicine, rheumatology and neurosurgery departments of BSMMU jointly organised the seminar.

While presenting a keynote, Dr Mohammad Hossain, a professor of neurosurgery at BSMMU, said, “Majority of such pains is quite usual. Around 90 percent of patients get well if rest properly and engage in physical activities.”

“But patients with pains in their legs or weakening leg strength in addition to the back pain should go to doctors as early as possible. We call this condition the Red Black sign,” he said.

He said majority of the back pain is caused due to prolapsed disks. A prolapsed disc often presses on a nerve root which can cause leg pain and other symptoms.

Moreover, according to Prof Mohammad Hossain, back pain may arise due to injury, tumours, and changes in the waist areas of elderly people.

To diagnose the reasons, doctors can suggest an MRI, he said, “People with such conditions can contact the Neuro-spinal Surgery department at the BSMMU for treatment.”

“There is no need to go abroad for any spinal surgery. BSMMU has every arrangement for this,” he added.

Speaking as chief guest, Prof Sharfuddin Ahmed, vice chancellor of the university, said, “People should not take painkillers for every pain. It has many side effects.”

Stressing on physical exercise, the VC said, “To get relief from back pain, people should avoid lifting heavy objects, maintain proper body weight, and practice sleeping on hard surfaces.”

Ariful Islam, assistant professor of Rheumatology, and Dr Tarikul Islam, assistant professor of Physical Medicine, presented keynotes at the seminar. It was moderated by Dr Shadullah Sabuj, associate professor of neurology.