Dr Karthik Gudaru: 3 Tests Detect 90% of Body & Back Pain Early

Body aches and back pain have quietly become one of the most common health complaints across all age groups. From young professionals glued to their desks to homemakers managing multiple responsibilities and seniors dealing with age-related changes, pain is often accepted as a “normal” part of life.

However, according to Dr Karthik Gudaru, a senior orthopaedic surgeon and one of the best doctors for back pain treatment in Hyderabad and Telangana, a large percentage of persistent body and back pain is not random or unavoidable. In fact, nearly 90% of such pain can be detected early through a few simple medical tests, long before it turns into a chronic or disabling condition. Early identification allows timely treatment, lifestyle correction, and prevents long-term damage to bones, muscles, and joints.

Why Men Experience Body and Back Pain?

Men often experience body and back pain due to a combination of lifestyle habits, occupational strain, and overlooked nutritional deficiencies. Long working hours, sedentary desk jobs, poor posture, and lack of regular stretching place continuous stress on the spine and surrounding muscles. Over time, this leads to muscle fatigue, stiffness, and disc-related issues.

Another major contributor is physical overexertion. Men involved in manual labour, gym workouts without proper guidance, or sports activities frequently push their bodies beyond safe limits. Repetitive lifting, sudden twisting movements, or improper exercise form can strain the lower back and joints, resulting in recurring pain.

Hormonal and metabolic factors also play a role. As men age, muscle mass gradually decreases, and bone strength may weaken, especially if Vitamin D3 and calcium levels are low. Unfortunately, many men ignore early warning signs, assuming pain will resolve on its own. This delay often allows minor deficiencies or inflammation to progress into chronic back pain, nerve compression, or joint degeneration.

Why Women Experience Body and Back Pain?

Women experience body and back pain for reasons that are both biological and lifestyle-related. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause significantly affect bone density, muscle strength, and joint stability. Lower estrogen levels, particularly after menopause, accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis, making women more susceptible to back pain and fractures.

Nutritional deficiencies are another major factor. Iron deficiency anaemia and low calcium or Vitamin D3 levels are extremely common among women, especially those balancing household responsibilities with work and caregiving. These deficiencies lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, joint pain, and generalised body aches.

Pregnancy and childbirth place additional strain on the spine and pelvic region. Weight gain, altered posture, and weakened core muscles can cause lingering back pain if not addressed properly. Even younger women may experience chronic pain due to prolonged standing, inadequate rest, poor posture, or lack of physical activity. Like men, many women tend to normalise pain and delay medical evaluation, allowing manageable issues to worsen over time.

What is the Role of Early Testing in Detecting Pain Causes?

Most body and back pain does not occur without an underlying reason. Dr Karthik Gudaru, a leading orthopaedic surgeon in Hyderabad and a specialist in joint replacement surgeries, emphasises that early testing can uncover hidden deficiencies and bone health issues before they manifest as severe pain or structural damage. Three simple tests can provide valuable insight into the root cause of pain and guide effective treatment.

TEST 1: Vitamin D3 and Calcium Test

Vitamin D3 and calcium are essential for bone strength, muscle function, and nerve health. Deficiency in these nutrients is one of the most common yet overlooked causes of persistent body and back pain. Low Vitamin D3 levels can lead to muscle cramps, bone tenderness, and chronic fatigue, while inadequate calcium weakens bones and increases fracture risk.

Many individuals spend limited time in sunlight, follow restrictive diets, or have absorption issues, leading to silent deficiencies. A simple blood test can reveal these levels and help doctors correct them through supplements, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments, often resulting in significant pain relief within weeks.

TEST 2: Complete Blood Count and Iron Profile

A complete blood count, along with an iron profile, helps detect anaemia and underlying inflammation. Low haemoglobin or iron levels reduce oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues, causing weakness, aches, and generalised body pain. This is particularly common in women but also affects men with poor diets or chronic conditions.

Additionally, abnormal blood counts may indicate infections or inflammatory processes contributing to joint and muscle pain. Identifying these issues early allows targeted treatment, preventing prolonged discomfort and unnecessary use of painkillers.

TEST 3: DEXA Scan (Bone Mineral Density Test)

The DEXA scan is a crucial tool for assessing bone health. It measures bone mineral density and helps detect osteopenia or osteoporosis at an early stage. Weak bones are a major cause of back pain, especially in older adults and postmenopausal women.

Early detection through a DEXA scan allows doctors to initiate bone-strengthening therapies, lifestyle changes, and fall-prevention strategies. This not only reduces pain but also significantly lowers the risk of fractures and spinal deformities in the future.

When to Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

While occasional aches may resolve with rest, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Consulting an orthopaedic surgeon such as Dr Karthik Gudaru is essential if body or back pain persists beyond a few weeks, worsens over time, or interferes with daily activities. Pain accompanied by numbness, tingling, weakness in the limbs, or difficulty walking requires immediate attention, as it may indicate nerve involvement or spinal issues.

Individuals with a history of fractures, osteoporosis, or recurrent injuries should seek orthopaedic evaluation even for mild pain. Early consultation helps confirm the diagnosis, interpret test results accurately, and design a comprehensive treatment plan that may include medication, physiotherapy, posture correction, or advanced interventions if needed.

Body and back pain are not merely signs of ageing or stress; they are often signals from the body indicating deeper issues. 90% of such pain can be detected early with simple tests that are easily accessible and highly informative. By addressing nutritional deficiencies, blood health, and bone density at the right time, individuals can prevent chronic pain, maintain mobility, and improve overall quality of life. Early testing and timely orthopaedic consultation transform pain management from temporary relief to long-term wellness.