Dehradun: On the occasion of World Spine Day, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, emphasised the importance of preventive spinal care and early intervention. While back pain is widely recognized as a common health issue, doctors urge people to move beyond reactive treatment and focus on prevention, education, and lifestyle modification to maintain spinal health.
Spinal health today is not just a medical concern, it’s a lifestyle, public health, and workplace issue. With prolonged screen time, sedentary jobs, and minimal physical movement, spine-related problems are appearing at younger ages, affecting working professionals, students, and even adolescents.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Priyank Uniyal, Senior Consultant – Spine Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, said, “Back pain should not be normalised as part of aging or work life. Our focus must be on cultivating spinal wellness from early years through lifestyle, education, and ergonomics. Prevention is not just cheaper, it’s more effective. Ignoring early signs of back pain can lead to severe conditions like herniated discs, scoliosis, osteoporosis, or nerve compression, which may cause long-term disability. Warning symptoms such as loss of movement, numbness, or bladder control issues require immediate medical evaluation.”
Dr. Uniyal, Further Highlighted, four key pillars of spinal health that can help prevent back and neck problems. The first, movement is medicine, focusses on staying active through walking, stretching, yoga, and strengthening exercises to keep the spine flexible and strong. The second, posture awareness, stresses on maintaining correct posture, especially in workplaces and classrooms, as poor sitting habits are a major cause of spinal strain. Proper desk setup and frequent breaks can make a big difference. The third, load management, advises against lifting heavy weights or carrying bags incorrectly, as these can put unnecessary stress on the spine. Building core strength and using proper lifting techniques are vital preventive measures. Finally, public health education calls for integrating spine health awareness in schools, colleges, and workplaces to encourage preventive habits early in life.
As part of its ongoing commitment to community health, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun, urges individuals to take an active role in protecting their spinal health through regular movement, correct posture, and timely medical consultations. The hospital emphasises that spinal wellness is not a luxury but a necessity for overall well-being.
