The Spine Epidemic: A Growing Concern for India and the World

Strategic Insights -

As the world's population grapples with the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, spinal health has become a pressing concern. According to the European Pain Federation, spinal pain is the top cause of disability worldwide. In India, the situation is particularly dire, with Dr. Sidharth Verma, an interventional spine and pain physician, warning of an "invisible" epidemic of back and neck pain affecting people in their 20s as much as those in their 50s.

Key Takeaways:

  • Spinal pain is the top cause of disability worldwide, affecting approximately 619 million people, according to the World Health Organisation.
  • The number of people living with lower back pain is projected to rise from 619 million to 843 million by 2050, as estimated by a study published in The Lancet Rheumatology.
  • Dr. Sidharth Verma stresses the importance of healthy habits, such as correct posture and better ergonomic setups, in protecting spinal health.
  • New-age postures developed from constant screen use have started to put unprecedented strain on the spine, causing problems that were not seen a decade ago.
  • Dr. Verma identifies 5 unhealthy habits that can negatively impact spine health and provides guidance on how to rectify them, including:

+ Sitting with improper posture

+ Lifting heavy objects incorrectly

+ Sleeping with an unsupportive pillow

+ Wearing high heels for extended periods

+ Not taking regular breaks to stretch and move around

  • The spine is adaptable, and early modification of these habits can prevent major health risks.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 619 million people live with lower back pain worldwide, as estimated by the World Health Organisation.
  • The number of people living with lower back pain is projected to rise to 843 million by 2050, as estimated by the study published in The Lancet Rheumatology.
  • 80s: The decade when problems related to new-age postures, developed from constant screen use, were not seen, according to Dr. Verma.
  • 20s-50s: The age groups that are most affected by the "invisible" epidemic of back and neck pain, as warned by Dr. Verma.

Sources:

  • European Pain Federation
  • World Health Organisation
  • Study published in The Lancet Rheumatology