The knees, hip, and spine are interconnected through various tendons, muscles, and nerves. Anytime one of these areas faces a problem, the others are bound to be affected. So, to answer the question of the hour, yes, knee pain can cause spine issues. But that’s not all, spine issues can also lead to knee pain. How? Let’s see below.
Connection Between Knee and Back Pain
An issue in the lower back can cause radiating pain in the knee in the form of a pinched nerve. Some other factors that connect knee and back pain are bad posture, altered movement, or weakness. If any of these lead to excessive strain on the knee joint, they can lead to issues in the spine and vice versa.
Causes for Knee and Back Pain
Altered Gait
Excessive knee pain can change the way you walk. Most patients with chronic knee pain tend to walk with a limp. Walking with a limp can alter how long you place your body weight on each leg. This can subsequently lead to changed hip joint movement and cause the lower back to side-bend or twist more while walking.
Abnormal Joint Movements
When the knee joint makes abnormal movements, the pressure is transferred through the lumbar spine or lower back, hips, and pelvis. If there is a lack of proper motion in your knee, it can lead to excessive wear and tear in the lower back and cause pain.
Lack of Flexibility
The lack of flexibility in the knee muscles can also lead to pain in all three joints. Similarly, underlying spine issues can also lead to pain in the hip/knee joints.
Spine Spasms
If there is pain in the lower back area, the muscles around the spine may experience spasms. These spasms can lead the pelvis to be elevated on one side. The unbalanced position of the pelvis can change the direction -pof the pressure on other body parts. This can cause abnormal stress to the hip or knee joint.
Weakness in the Lower Back
Additionally, weakness in the lower back or core muscles can lead to excessive movement in the spine while walking. Over time, this can cause extra strain on the knee, causing pain in both areas, the back and the knee.
Symptoms of Knee and Back Pain
Here are some common symptoms of knee and back pain:
- Redness around/near the knee
- Swelling/Inflammation
- Stiffness in the knee joint or spine
- Cracking or popping sounds during physical activities
Treatment for Knee and Back Pain
Back and knee pain can be managed through various types of interventions. These include lifestyle modifications and medical treatments.
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight Management
For every kilogram you gain, your knees have to bear 4x more weight. Therefore, losing weight is the first thing doctors advise when patients complain of knee pain. Additionally, obesity is also a major cause of spine issues and back pain. If your diet and weight are managed properly, you will see a reduction in stress placed on your knees and back.
Stress Management
Practices such as meditation and mindfulness can help relieve muscle tension and reduce pain sensitivity.
Stretching
Stretching can help improve the spine and knee joint flexibility and mobility. Increased flexibility will result in ease of movement and reduced pain.
Light Exercise
Light exercises, like yoga and water aerobics, etc., can help improve muscle flexibility and overall strength, to give relief from joint pain.
Cold/Heat Therapy
Applying cold/hot compression (as advised by your physician) to the affected area can help reduce inflammation in the knee and back joints.
Medical Treatments
Over-the-counter Pain Medication
Medications such as acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help relieve pain symptoms.
Topical Pain Relief
Applying anti-inflammatory gels or ointments can also help relieve some pain in the affected area.
Physical Therapy
A physiotherapy professional can guide you with specific exercises and movements that can improve flexibility and mobility, and reduce stiffness in your joints.
Spinal Injections
Steroidal injections might be used to reduce inflammation in back muscles if topical or oral treatment methods prove ineffective.
Surgery
If all of the above treatment options do not work, you might be advised to undergo knee replacement surgery.
Why Choose Sohana Hospital for Knee and Back Pain Issues?
Sohana Hospital offers you the best orthopaedic care through its highly skilled team of experts. We offer a wide range of advanced joint treatment options suited to patients with different needs. Services offered include:
- Advanced AI+Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery
- Personalised Treatment Plans
- Preventive Care
- Physical Therapy
If your symptoms are severe and unmanageable, you must book an appointment at Sohana Hospital without further delay. We have some of the best orthopedic specialists in Chandigarh, who can cater to all your orthopaedic needs. The solution to your back and knee problems is just one call away. Book an appointment today!