A dull ache between your shoulder blades that never really goes away. A sharp catch in your lower back every time you bend. Neck pain that starts at the base of the skull and moves into your shoulders and arms. For many people, these are daily realities. 

Chronic back and neck pain can show up in many ways: 

• Constant stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting 

• Sharp or shooting pain down the arm or leg 

• Burning or electric shock–like sensation, a sign of nerve pain 

• Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness in hands or feet 

• Pain that worsens when you stand, walk, or twist 

• Headaches that begin in the neck and move upward 

• Trouble sleeping because no position feels comfortable 

If these symptoms last for more than a few weeks, they may not be “just strain.” This is when it helps to think about seeing a pain management doctor in Hyderabad for a proper assessment and a structured plan for spine pain relief. 

 

What is chronic back and neck pain? 

Pain is called “chronic” when it lasts longer than three months or keeps coming back. It may start after an injury or appear slowly without a clear cause. 

In the spine, the pain can come from: 

• Muscles and ligaments 

• Facet joints between the vertebrae 

• Intervertebral discs 

• Nerves that leave the spinal cord 

Sometimes more than one structure is involved. That is why simple rest and pain tablets do not always solve the problem. 

Common causes of chronic spine pain 

Some frequent reasons for long-standing back and neck pain include: 

• Poor posture and long hours at a desk or computer 

• Muscle strain from repeated lifting or sudden twisting 

• Age-related wear and tear (spondylosis, osteoarthritis) 

• Disc problems such as disc bulge or herniation 

• Spinal stenosis, narrowing of the spinal canal 

• Previous injury or surgery 

• Osteoporosis and small fractures in older adults 

Pain that feels burning, shooting, or electric often points to nerve pain, for example sciatica in the legs or radiating pain into the arms. 

What does a pain management specialist do? 

A pain management specialist is a doctor trained to diagnose and treat long-lasting pain without jumping straight to major surgery. 

A pain management doctor Hyderabad will typically: 

• Take a detailed history of your pain, lifestyle, and medical issues 

• Examine your spine, nerves, strength, and flexibility 

• Review or order imaging like X-rays or MRI when needed 

• Build a personalised chronic pain treatment plan 

• Coordinate with physiotherapists, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, and psychologists if needed 

The goal is simple, reduce pain, improve function, and help you return to daily activities with fewer flare-ups. 

When should I see a pain management doctor in Hyderabad? 

You should consider a specialist visit if: 

• Pain has lasted more than six to eight weeks 

• Pain limits work, household tasks, or sleep 

• You have tried basic rest, simple medicines, and home exercises without relief 

• Pain keeps coming back every few months 

• You are not ready for, or not advised for, major spine surgery 

• You already had surgery but pain remains 

Red flag symptoms, seek urgent medical care 

Go to an emergency department or see a spine specialist immediately if: 

• You suddenly cannot control urine or stool 

• You have severe weakness in arms or legs 

• Pain follows a major fall or accident 

• You have fever with back pain or recent weight loss 

These can be signs of serious conditions that need quick treatment. 

What treatments can help with chronic back and neck pain? 

Chronic pain treatment is often a mix of methods rather than a single “magic” solution. Common options include: 

Medicines 

• Anti-inflammatory tablets or gels 

• Muscle relaxants for short periods 

• Nerve pain medicines for burning or shooting pain 

• Low-dose antidepressants in selected patients to calm pain pathways 

Physical therapy and exercise 

• Strengthening of core and back muscles 

• Stretching of tight muscle groups 

• Posture correction and ergonomic advice 

• Home exercise programmes to maintain gains 

Injections and procedures 
Depending on the cause, a pain management doctor in Hyderabad may suggest: 

• Epidural steroid injections for nerve root irritation or sciatica 

• Facet joint injections for joint-based back pain 

• Nerve blocks to confirm and treat pain from specific nerves 

• Radiofrequency ablation to “deactivate” small pain-carrying nerves for longer relief 

These procedures are usually done under imaging guidance for safety and accuracy. 

Lifestyle and mind–body strategies 

• Weight management to reduce load on the spine 

• Sleep improvement practices 

• Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, yoga under guidance 

• Pain education and counselling to reduce fear and stress, which can amplify pain 

FAQ: Patients’ common questions 

“Is my back pain serious, or can I ignore it?” 

Short-term pain after unusual activity often settles with a few days of rest and simple stretches. But pain that: 

• Lasts for weeks, 

• Returns again and again, or 

• Spreads down the arm or leg 

needs proper evaluation. It may not be an emergency, but ignoring it can lead to stiffness, muscle weakness, and more complex problems over time. 

“Will I definitely need injections or surgery?” 

No. Many patients improve with medicines, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes alone. A pain management specialist usually starts with the least invasive options. Injections are considered when: 

• Pain is moderate to severe 

• Exercises and medicines are not enough 

• Imaging shows a clear target for treatment 

Even then, injections are aimed at helping you move more comfortably so that exercise and rehabilitation work better. Surgery is reserved for specific conditions where there is clear structural compression or instability. 

“Can chronic back or neck pain be cured?” 

Some causes, such as simple muscle strain, can resolve fully. Others, like age-related changes or old injuries, may not disappear but can be controlled. The aim of chronic pain treatment is to: 

• Reduce pain levels 

• Improve strength and movement 

• Cut down flare-ups 

• Protect nerves and joints from further damage 

Many people live active, productive lives even with old spinal changes once they have a good plan and regular follow-up. 

“What should I bring to my first pain clinic visit?” 

For a useful first appointment, carry: 

• Previous X-rays, MRIs, or scan reports 

• A list of medicines you already tried 

• Notes on when pain is worst, morning, night, sitting, or walking 

• Any other health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease 

This helps your pain management doctor Hyderabad understand the full picture and avoid repeating tests. 

How do pain specialists help with nerve pain and spine pain relief? 

Nerve pain from conditions like sciatica or cervical radiculopathy feels very different from simple muscle pain. It may burn, shoot, or feel like an electric shock. It can disturb sleep and mood. 

Pain specialists use: 

• Nerve-targeting medicines 

• Epidural injections to reduce inflammation around pinched nerves 

• Nerve root blocks to confirm which nerve is involved 

• Radiofrequency ablation for longer-term relief in some cases 

For ongoing spine pain relief, they combine these tools with posture work, core strengthening, and education on safe movements. This combination reduces the chance that pain will return after short-term improvement. 

 

How to choose a pain management doctor in Hyderabad 

When you look for a specialist, consider: 

• Qualifications in anaesthesiology, pain medicine, or related fields 

• Experience with spine procedures and nerve pain conditions 

• Availability of physiotherapy and rehabilitation in the same centre 

• Clear explanations in language you understand 

• Written treatment plans and follow-up schedules 

A good pain clinic will also coordinate with neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, and psychologists when needed, so you receive complete care rather than scattered opinions. 

Conclusion 

Chronic back and neck pain are more than “age” or “strain.” They can affect work, sleep, mood, and relationships. The right chronic pain treatment plan aims to understand the cause, calm irritated nerves, strengthen weak muscles, and guide you back toward normal life. 

If you have been living with pain for months, or relying only on temporary tablets, this may be the time to consult a pain management doctor in Hyderabad at Citizens Specialty Hospital. With expert help, modern procedures, and a structured rehabilitation plan, long-term spine pain relief is a realistic goal, not just a hope.