95% of back and neck pain problems are result of poor lifestyle: Kauvery Hospital

Chennai, 19th September 2024:
“Spine Recharge” is an initiative of Kauvery Spine Institute, Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, headed by Dr. G. Balamurali, Senior consultant Spine and Neurosurgeon. This event is aimed to create public awareness about avoiding back and neck pain to lead a healthy life. The program will happen on 21st September 2024 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Anna Library Auditorium, Kotturpuram. The entry is free.

Back and neck problems are the second most common cause of hospital visits world-wide. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people will suffer after the age of 40. Approximately 95% of these problems are not serious and are mostly the result of lifestyle problems related to work, activity, posture, injury or obesity, smoking and sedentary lifestyle. There are several misconceptions regarding treatment. Several myths exist about how to manage the pain like, reduce activity, bending, sitting on floor, avoiding exercises, avoiding a head pillow, wearing belts etc. There is no standard of care and public are confused and misguided.
In India women are more prone to suffer from back and neck pain because of the nature of domestic chores. We are the IT capital, and the young force is sitting for more than 8-12 hours at work. There is a lack of workplace regulation on lifting weights, posture during work and other preventive measures. Another factor contributing to injury of the back are poor road and vehicle conditions.
Back and neck pain causes a serious economic burden and is a leading cause of absenteeism and disability worldwide. Back problems also cause serious mental health effects leading to depression, anxiety, etc. The children are more sedentary, they carry heavy school bags leading to serious problems. Obesity is on the rise and is a serious risk of back and neck problems.
“Major part of the treatment should be focused on educating the public on how to identify problems early, take appropriate steps to have a healthy lifestyle for a healthy spine” says Dr Keerthivasan, Consultant Ortho and Spine Surgeon.
“At Kauvery hospital we provide not only advanced keyhole and endoscopic surgery for back pain but also non-surgical treatments and spine rehabilitation through various initiatives” says Dr Soma Sundar S, Consultant Ortho and Spine Surgeon.
“Back and neck problems are a serious public health concern, contributing to physical, mental and economic stress. The employers, government and healthcare professionals should develop policies to regulate and prevent back and neck problems which are very prevalent in our society. Through Spine Recharge we want to provide them with insights about this silent serious problem” says Dr G Balamurali, Head of Kauvery Spine Institute.
The focus of this program is to create awareness among the public to understand several facts about the pain, demystify myths and giving them action plans to manage, as a healthy spine will ensure them a healthy pain free old age. There are 26 panelists from various medical specialist who deal with back problems like Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Ortho and spine surgeon, Pediatrician, Obstetrics & Gynecologist, Sports medicine, Pain specialist and people who suffer most like police, dancers, sports person and persons who treat them like yoga, physiotherapy, ayurvedic, psychology and alternative therapist. The program is blended with music, dance and stand-up comedy.
“Our department of Orthopaedic and Spine has expert surgeons who treat complex conditions of bone and joint. With an expert team and the infrastructure we have been able to restore mobility eventually enabling them to be more independent in performing their daily task. Often, back and neck problems are neglected by people which leads to worsening of their conditions. Inorder to bridge this gap, we have curated a program to address the major factors that contribute to back and neck pain and also address the queries from the public. We believe this awareness will create a significant impact on people to lead a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder and Executive Director Kauvery Group of Hospitals.