Owing to modern lifestyle and sedentary habits, back pain relating to poor posture, inflexibility and improper movement has been increasing at an alarming rate.

1. Don’t take Back Pain Lightly
Owing to modern lifestyle and sedentary habits, back pain relating to poor posture, inflexibility
and improper movement has been on the rise. Four out of five people experience it at some
point in their lives, making it the fifth most common reason for visiting the doctor. A very
disabling problem, the constant discomfort can alter a person's life in several ways. Quality of
life suffers, depression becomes common and in desperation, suicide might become tempting.
Earlier this year in February, a former IPS officer, shot himself in the head at his Noida residence
in Uttar Pradesh after his acute back pain got worse. His suicide note revealed that he had back
pain for many years and had to take strong painkillers constantly to live a pain free life.
It has been estimated that around 10% -15% of the population suffers from chronic back pain
which may be caused due to multiple factors like degenerative changes in the spine, deformity,
injury, osteoporosis etc.
Several studies have also revealed a link between smoking and back pain. Smokers are more
likely to complain of backpain than non-smokers are, as biomechanical research reveals that
the blood supply to the endplates of the vertebrae is reduced in smokers leading to disc
degeneration.
Back pain is one of the primary reasons why more and more patients are increasingly getting
addicted to painkillers. The unbearable ache disrupts day-to-day activities, and in order to not
compromise on routine life, approximate 90% of the people opt for painkillers along with
options like weight loss techniques, exercises and quitting smoking to reduce the pain. Over a
period, one’s body gets accustomed to such painkillers and becomes resistant to its effect
hence aggravating the problem further and introducing the possibility of potentially dangerous
side effects. This can lead to extreme levels of depression, where a person can even take his /
her life.
Timely management is the key to get rid of your sore back. Today, many solutions available can
reduce pain and cure the problem such as an altered life style, physiotherapy and
rehabilitation. In cases of persistent back pain and where physiotherapy and painkillers have
not been effective surgery may be indicated. Commonly these for conditions are spinal
stenosis, herniated discs, tumor, trauma, scoliosis etc.

2. Nowadays, advanced technologies with evidence-driven therapies deliver high levels of patient
care and satisfaction. Advanced technology like robotics and computer navigation has made
spinal surgeries less invasive, safe and with predictable outcomes. With minimal infection risk
and reduced pain, patients can actually get up and walk on the day following the surgery.
Adopting simple lifestyle habits can go a long way in avoiding backpain problems. Sitting
straight in correct posture with shoulders upright can help immensely. Crouching or slumping
forward on your chair should be avoided. Back pain can also be a result of stiff muscles. Devote
daily time to stretching exercises, jogging/walking, swimming or cycling. In addition, most
importantly, sleep well. For back pain relief, it is always better to sleep on a firm surface than
on soft mattresses. Ultra soft mattresses push the back out of alignment and distort posture,
further aggravating the problem.
Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce back pain. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables,
with limited intake of processed foods to avoid excessive weight. Staying fit is one of the best
remedies for back pain as extra weight can put added stress on the back and increase
discomfort. Also, your feet do affect the way your back works and feels, so wearing the right
footwear is equally important. Wearing proper comfortable footwear can go a long way toward
preventing back pain.
In addition, make sure you do not skip your regular checkups. They can evaluate your posture
and spinal alignment and suggest ways to prevent or manage your back pain in an effective
manner, before it gets too late.
By Dr. Harshavardhan Hegde
(The author is Director, Orthopaedics, Nova Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital)