World Spine Day is celebrated on October 16 to inform people about the struggles faced by spinal pain and its disability. The day seeks to promote the overall health and wellbeing of one’s spine. The day is organized by the World Federation of Chiropractic. 

Back pain and other spinal pains are now common in both old and young people. Back pain is a serious issue as it can make any person bed-ridden for days and even for years. Many are suffering from spine issues like Herniated Disc, Scoliosis, Whiplash, and Muscle strain. In India, 45 % of people ignore back pain. 

On the occasion of World Spine Day, we at Medicircle are conducting an exclusive awareness series wherein we will be featuring experts in this field to understand and create awareness about good spine health. 

Dr. Saijyot Raut is a spine surgeon who has been practicing with his team for over 4 years in Lilavati Hospital, Bombay Hospital, and Spine Clinic, Goregaon. He is the Director of Doctor House Super Speciality Clinic. 

Dr.Saijyot Raut is a consultant spine surgeon who has been practicing with the Spine team in Lilavati Hospital, Bombay Hospital.

He is the chief spine surgeon at Spine Clinic – Centre for Spinal reconstruction and minimal invasive Spine Surgery, Goregaon. Director of the Doctor House Super specialty clinic.

Dr. Raut also specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of degenerative disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, spinal tumors and adult spinal deformities, Cranio-vertebral anomalies, endoscopic spine surgeries, and pediatric spine surgeries.

Causes of back and spine problems 

Dr. Saijyot Raut informs, “There are many reasons for back and spine pain which are as follows- 

Lack of exercises  Lack of physical activity  Cigarette smoking - more seen in slip disc patients  Obesity  Sedentary lifestyle  Sitting and working for long hours  Trauma and injury 

Back pain and neck pain is increasing among people due to lockdown as they are confined at home. 

Reducing back pain 

Dr. Saijyot Raut says, “The treatments for reducing back pain are - 

Incorrect posture long hours while working from home Work from home problem  Online studying from home  No proper equipment at home 

To avoid back pain - 

Always use chair and table at home while working  Take a break every 30 mins  Stretching while working  Keep laptop and mobile home on eye levels  Do not slouch  Be comfortable while working.”

Traditional ways to reduce back pain

Dr. Saijyot Raut says, “Not all back pain needs surgery. Out of 100 cases, only 2 % need surgeries. Rest 98% of people are treated with medicines and guidance 

Avoid smoking  Avoid obesity  Continue exercises every day  Maintain back posture  Maintain  physical activity like yoga  Proper diet  Vitamins and supplements  Psychological well-being.”

 Mental ill-health can cause physical pain 

Dr. Saijyot Raut says, “If you have been suffering from back pain for a long time and not consulted a specialist, it can affect your mental health. Just taking bed rest for back pain and ignoring it is not enough. People stop all physical activities when in back pain, this is very wrong and can affect mental well-being. This refrains from social life causing anxiety and depression which is a vicious cycle. Proper guidance is necessary in this case.”

Exercises for back pain 

Dr. Saijyot Raut says, “Exercises can help. We have a specialized exercise training program which guides you about exercises depending on the situation which are as follows- 

Back extension exercises  Back strengthening exercise  Core strengthening exercise  Hamstring stretching exercise  Glute exercises  Physiotherapy helps with proper rehabilitation through exercises.”

Insights into spine surgery  

Dr. Saijyot Raut says, “Spine surgeries are very common and safe and they are not life-threatening. Spine surgeries are dangerous. There are cases of compression of nerves in the spine which may require spine surgery. In case of leg pain affecting daily activities, surgery is required to get back to normal life. Paralysis or emergency cases need surgeries. All spine surgeries are minimally invasive surgeries where there is minimal muscle damage. Spine surgery is simple and safe ”

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)