Correct posture, exercise keep back problems at bay
NEW DELHI: Sixty-three-year-old Nigerian national Ado Moses Okino has had to make a third trip to India in seven years for a surgery to correct a slipped disc, a back problem that one in 100 Indians face during their lifetime, according to doctors.
With a sedentary lifestyle clubbed with little or no exercise and fitness regime, a large section of the working population in the cities is at risk of falling prey to the degenerative condition of a slipped disc.
“Slipped disc is the most common condition that we see in our clinic. Some can be managed just by medication and physiotherapy, however, in severe cases we need to perform a surgery,” said Dr Yash Gulati, senior consultant of spine and joint replacement at Indraprastha Apollo.
Okino is among those whose condition requires surgery. He was a public servant in his hometown in Nigeria and his work kept him outdoors for long periods of time. However, the severe pain caused because of the slipped disc would not allow him to step out of his house.
“I could not do what I used to, I could not go where I used to. I could not even stand for three minutes. My back and legs used to hurt a lot. So, I decided to go for a surgery,” said Okino.
In patients suffering from the condition, the soft, central portion of the spinal cord bulges out of the damaged outer ring, leading to complications.
“Nowadays, we have a sedentary life and we do most of the work sitting in front of a computer. So, utmost care should be taken to maintain a good posture and exercise should be done to strengthen back muscles,” said Dr Deepak Chaudhary, director, Sports Injury Centre.
Focussing on all three aspects — cardio, flexibility and core and back strength — is very important to keep the back healthy, he suggests. “If proper exercise is done and the back muscles are strong, then, chances are that minor jerks and injuries will not hurt or damage the spine,” said Dr Chaudhary.
Injury and trauma-related back problems are also very common. “We receive 900 - 1,000 patients with disorders related to trauma every year at AIIMS itself. Also, in some cases, people suffer from trauma, but do not go to the doctor. So, the bones join at a wrong angle which may lead to deformity or even paraplegia in extreme cases, if the bone presses the nerves,” said Dr Sumit Sinha, assistant professor of neurosurgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Back pain is another spine disorder, but it is so common that it is thought of as trivial and people do not visit a doctor. As many as 80 out of 100 people suffer back pains, said doctors.
“If back pain persists for more than five or seven days, it is important to visit a doctor. It could be a problem in itself or it could be indicative of other spine-related disorders. So, why bear the pain, when a doctor can help you,” said Dr Sinha.
Back pain can be aggravated due to obesity, so, it is important to exercise and manage weight, the experts agree.
› If back pain persists for more than five or seven days, it is important to visit a doctor. It could be a problem in itself or it could be indicative of other spine-related disorders. So, why bear the pain, when a doctor can help you?
DR SUMIT SINHA, assistant professor of neurosurgery, AIIMS