BENGALURU: That constant pain in the lower back, neck or shoulder may not be just a sign of strain but a much more serious condition — chronic pain.
With the Covid-19 forcing people to work from home and in conditions that often do not guarantee good posture and regular exercise, experts say they have observed that around 45% of the population (mostly below 45 years of age) in Bengaluru suffers from chronic back pain. More than 40% of them have been neglecting this pain for months.
Pain specialists from Interventional Pain and Spine Centre (IPSC), a chain of singlespeciality centres that offer spine care and chronic pain management, said more than 20% of India’s adult population suffers from chronic pain of some kind. The prevalence is higher in women and increases steeply in all adults beyond the age of 65 years, according to their survey.
They said that this may be the tip of the iceberg as Indians usually understate health issues and would rather not reveal their pain problems to others. Dr Pankaj N Surange, managing director and CEO, IPSC India, said the joints and spine receive nutrition and are lubricated through movements and physical activities. Though lack of physical activity was always an issue among the IT crowd, it has become worse with WFH arrangements, he said.
“WFH has added to the chronicity of the condition,” he said. “Youngsters do not maintain a proper posture while working from home and it has led to a drastic increase in neck and back pain issues.”
Dr Om Prakash Gupta, a joint replacement and spine surgeon, said those who sit for long hours should take fiveminute walks every hour. “They can also change their working style from sitting to standing. Proper posture and exercise go a long way in preventing chronic pains,” Dr Gupta said.
Dr Swati Bhat, consultant, said for most cases of chronic pain, less invasive and targetspecific interventions (called interventional pain management) are better compared to open surgical methods, as these involve less risk and trauma to the patient.
The doctors also said noticing such pains early and quick interventions which relieve pain reduce morbidity and improve the quality of life.
