SPINE OF THE MATTER

It could also be because more and more Indians are becoming diabetic and obese, which indirectly affects the spine health, Dr Chaudhry said, adding he is seeing many children in the age group of 15-17 years suffering from spine-related problems because they spend more time on screen than outdoors.

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT @New Delhi

"Most Indians are leading a sedentary lifestyle. The physical activities of most people, even children, are less. All these factors are significantly leading to an increase in spine-related issues in the Indian population."

Spine-related problems Low back pain, slipped discs, spondylitis, sciatica, osteoporosis, and spinal stenosis are the most common spinal problems being reported in the country. Spinal cord injuries and degenerative spine diseases are the other commonly reported spine problems.

Road traffic accidents and sporting activities also lead to many spinal fractures, which are acute conditions and can cause permanent or temporary paralysis of the lower limb or the upper limbs.

The treatment options range from non-surgical management in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, core or back muscle strengthening exercises, and epidural steroid injections to surgical management, said Dr Tandon.