Quit Smoking:It weakens your bones

Smoking is injurious to your health.People think that damage caused by smoking remains confined only to lungs.Sorry they are wrong,it affects the overall immunity of the body.Smoking increases the level of carbon monooxide in the body which leads to overall deterioration in blood supply to different organs of the body.This indirectly affects the health of the bones as bones derive their energy and density from blood supply organs which work at much lower levels.In such condition,one easily becomes a candidate for back pain.In women it can be one major reason for Osteoporosis.Post menopause women are already going through lot of bodily changes and already bone density is affected and on top of that women smoke ,there are high chances of such women developing Osteoporosis.
So nicotoine is a moments pleasure leading to life long pain.Give it up,for the sake of healthy life. 

Treat Arthritis with Physiotherapy

There is a misconception among people that Arthritis is untreatable. The truth is Arthritis is treatable, if detected early, it is even more easier to treat. Without much use of medicine, Physiotherapy done with a trained physiotherapist can to a large extent cure the disease.

Don't let back pain ruin your pregnancy experience

Pregnancy is the most special moment in every women's life. But back pain during this stage can be a spoiler. Enclosed below is an article of mine that appeared in Rashtriya Sahara on exactly what women can do to prevent back pain during pregnancy.

Exercise to strengthen your core back muscles and to keep back pain away!

Our body has a self healing mechanism. Minor back injuries or back pains can get healed on its own, provided we do some physical exercises. Exercises not only help in healing but also, strengthens back muscles, so that ordinary person doesn't suffer from back pain. Enclosed below is a picture illustrating some exercises which a fit person should perform at least 5 times a week in order to avoid serious back pain.

Radio frequency technique: A new hope for patients with long standing spinal pains

There are some back injuries and back pains which despite of all the conventional methods of treatment, the pain refuses to subside. In such circumstances, the patient is suggested surgery. But there are a lot of spinal treatments with which the patients can get better results even than surgeries. One such technique is Radio frequency technique. It is an invasive surgical technique which gives good results to those patients who have given up hope of living a pain-free life. In case, anyone wishes to have information about this technique, please call me.

Identifying the symptoms of Arthritis in the early stage can help in early treatment

Whenever we think of arthritis, an image of an old man/ women with swollen knees and pain appears in front of our eyes. This assumption was true till sometime back, but today a lot of young people are diagnosed with arthritis. As compared to men, women are more affected by this disorder. Symptoms to identify Arthritis are:

1. Joint Pain, while bending the joints
2. Stiffness in joints while changing postures
3. Swollen joints
4. Fatigue
5. Knots in joints

Exercise to keep arthritis away!

Arthritis is always difficult to treat but can definitely be prevented. Regular exercise like aerobics, walking helps in strengthening joints which supports the muscles. These exercises not only help in maintaining body weight but also boosts metabolism, which help in reducing excess stress on the bones especially, joints thus, preventing Arthritis.

Spondylitis: Its symptoms, causes and treatment

Spondylitis an ailment which was once considered as old people's infirmity, is now slowly affecting young people too. To know more about this disease, read the accompanied article of mine that appeared in May edition of The Week Health magazine.

Knowledge of handling spinal injuries can be a boon at the time of distress

Knowledge of handling spinal injuries can be a boon at the time of distress

The recent Nepal Earthquake has made all of us question ourselves and our system- Are we prepared to face such calamity? Natural disasters like earthquake come unannounced. But what is needed on our part is better awareness and knowledge to tackle such situations. At the time of earthquake, a large number of people lose their lives due to lack of information on handling medical emergencies. 

It is well known not the earthquake that causes deaths, but the building debris that fall on the person which causes injuries of the neck and the spine  during that period. When an earthquake strikes, people often bend down to save their lives. In such a situation, the rubble from the buildings fall directly on a person’s back, which leads to traumatic spinal injuries and the most common of them, are spinal fractures and cervical injuries. Traumatic spinal injuries often cause neurological deficits; which if not treated well in time, can in future lead to permanent neurologic injury. Untrained rescue workers are the first one to offer help but they are not aware how a person who has suffered back and neck injury needs to be immobolised before being lifted. It is pull drag method which further aggravates the condition of the affected person.

Spinal Immobilization, in-field care, proper lifting techniques and transport during rescue operations plays a very important role while coping up with a natural calamity, and especially, for the trauma patients. Certain things need to be kept in mind while handling spinal emergencies. The injured person should not be dragged. At least 5 or more people should be there to carry the patient, with one holding and supporting the head, one supporting the neck and shoulder, minimum two people standing on opposite sides of the patient holding the back and the pelvic area and one person holding the legs. Immediately shift the patient and make him lie on a hard board. Make sure that there is no abnormal twisting, turning or bending of the neck and back. Another thing to be kept in mind is that the neck should be immediately immobilized by a hard cervical collar, as failing to do so can cause cervical injury. Proper transportation and timely treatment can save many lives.

Always remember, our safety lies in our own hands. At the time of earthquake, it is important not to panic and maintain calm. The moment, you feel that an earthquake is coming move out to an open area or to the middle of the street, and stay away from electricity poles, trees and buildings, as they might fall down. Also, avoid using lifts on case of moving out of a building. But, if you can’t move out, follow the simple technique of “Drop, Cover and Hold On”. Hide under a sturdy desk or table and hold its legs firmly. You can also, sit next to a sofa or bed in a foetal position for your safety. Stay away from windows and lamps. If driving, stop your car at the side of the road and not in the middle especially, under a highway. In a crowded place like malls or restaurants, you can protect your head with your arms and hide under a seat or table. New theory has been propounded that if you lie next to triangular object, then the chances of the survival are the maximum since the debris don’t directly hit but slide down. According to this if you hide under a hard board, the heavy debris can break it and lead to more serious injuries.

Proper education regarding disaster management and how to handle any medical emergency at the time of any natural disaster, if given right at the school level can making our coming generation, a well prepared and more responsible citizen who is capable enough of helping a fellow citizen in such times of distress. It is important that general public is also trained in basic trauma care like proper lifting and carrying of injured person to prevent further aggravation of Spinal and neck injury.

Dr Sudeep Jain

Spine Surgeon

Director

Spine Solutions India

Naraina Vihar, New Delhi

www.spinesolutionsindia.com

jain.sudeep1@gmail.com

 

Leave the habit of placing phone between neck and shoulder, for pain free life

It is seen that many people have this habit of placing the phone in between their neck and shoulder to answer a call, while working on the computer. But, while doing this, they forget how bad it is for their neck and spine. Repeating such posture in the long run can lead to various back and neck related problems and one such problem is cervical. When we keep the phone in between the neck and shoulder our body alignment gets disturbed, also the neck and back muscles gets overly stretched. So, it is better that if you have to take a call, take break from the work and attend the call. Also, if your profession demands long calls quite often, then switch to using headphones.

Correct sitting posture can minimise the dangers of sedentary lifestyle on your back

It is true that sedentary lifestyle is a major reason behind most back related problems. But correct sitting posture along with regular breaks to distress your body, can be really helpful in minimising the problem. While sitting on chair, make sure that your thighs are parallel to the ground and your knees are bend at an angle of 100 degrees.

Be cautious while using treadmill

Treadmill which is part of every fitness conscious individual is a also a leading cause of gym related back injuries. It is an electronic equipment and any sudden stoppage while the person is running can lead to serious back injury. When a person is running on a treadmill and all of a sudden due to some reason it stops, his body already in motion can't adjust to sudden stoppage which leas to injuries. So, check the treadmill's physical condition, before you step on it.

To curb out back pain, step in to your morning walk shoes

Weakening of core back muscles due to sedentary lifestyle is one of the major reason behind back pain experienced by youngsters. If nothing else, even if you walk for 15-20 minutes, 5 times a week, the back muscles will get adequately strengthened, which in turn can help in curbing back pain.

Right Sleeping Posture can to a large extent keep Back Problems away

The way we sleep has a huge impact on our spinal health. To know more read an article of mine that appeared in Hindi daily HariBhoomi.

Tips to avoid back pain in pregnancy

Back Pain in pregnancy is common but it can definitely be avoided if you remain active and follow the below mentioned tips:

1. Exercise regularly. Perform simple and light exercises which helps in strengthening body muscles and increases flexibility.
2. Have a good nutritious diet and take rest.
3. Be careful about your body posture and movements.
4. Don't lift heavy objects.
5. Don't wear heels.
6. Don't bend.
7. Take the prescribed medicines regularly.

If back pain is persistent or severe, consult your doctor without any delay.

A to-know list for every Spondylitis patient

For those suffering from Spondylitis should always sleep on a hard mattress and use a memory foam pillow in order to support their neck and to avoid any further pain. Also, if you have a regular desk job where you have to sit in front of the computer for hours, then make sure to take small frequent breaks after every hour and relax your neck.

Your love for the latest fashion trends, might lead to back pain

The latest fashion rage among youngsters is of skinny jeans. Though they might look good, but in the long run, these might lead to certain health complications. Skinny jeans are tight on the waist, hips and thigh.When we wear it, our leg joints get strained. Also, when we put things inside the back pocket of our jeans, the hip alignment gets disturbed which leads to back pain.

Physiotherapy is a good way to get rid of your lower back pain

Lower Back pain is a very common problem found in people of different age groups. But what is important is its early detection for the quick recovery process. Usually, in the early stages, doctors apart from medicines, prescribes physiotherapy to the patients in order to sooth pain and to increase mobility of the muscles. Physiotherapy includes a Passive therapy and Active therapy. In Passive Therapy heat application in the form of heat pads are applied to warm the muscle before starting with exercises and stretches. Post the stretches an Ice pack is applied to sooth the muscles. Whereas, in Active Therapy, exercises and stretches are done. Apart from exercises postures to help in the recovery process are also taught.

Spent time on outdoor activities to reduce your back pain

Injuries or back pain can get much better. But, for that to happen, we need to spend time on outdoor activities like walking, cycling, running, swimming etc. All these have therapeutic power of healing and can help greatly in reducing pain.

Together For Humanity, Celebrating World Red Cross Day

Celebrating the theme for this year's World Red Cross Day "Together For Humanity", I would like to urge all my friends to come forward and help people in need.

Heavy Handbags can cause Back pain

Handbags that women have started carrying have become bigger and bigger. These bags are becoming heavy and obviously when hung on one side of the shoulder for a longer duration, leads to strain in the muscles which is the starting point of onset of back pain. Carry a bag, but it should be light enough not to cause any strain.

Those tight skirts worn at office might be the reason for you back pain

Working women are at a high risk of developing disc problems and the starting point to it is, back pain. Though there are many reasons behind this pain, but one of the main reason is tight or body fitted skirts. Tight skirts restricts a woman's body movement which causes stiffness or stretch in muscles leading to back pain. So, it is best to avoid wearing very tight skirts to keep disc related problems away.

Know how to protect yourself, at the time of an earthquake

Spinal injuries are the the biggest reason of casualty in an earthquake.We all know earth quakes by themselves don't kill,it is the debris that fall from buildings that lead to casualty. The question arises how can we save ourselves from injuries in such a situation. The best way is to stand next to column or some object which is triangular.

In case of injury in the back, just move your hand to call for help. Don't move your back and neck. Wait for the help to arrive.

Regularly wearing high heels can be damaging for your back

Be cautious ladies! Your high heels might be the reason behind your prolonged back ache

New Delhi: High heels have become a quite essential part of every fashion- conscious woman’s wardrobe, but looking good and remaining healthy are two different things. Prolonged use of High Heels has been found to be very damaging for our spine. Back aches have become a common problem especially among working women. The problem which once used to occur with aging is now being faced by all, irrespective of our age. The regular use of high heels among women today acts as one of the major reasons behind the constant backache.

You might ask, how can the heels be the reason for backache? First and foremost, it impacts the body posture directly, and once the posture goes wrong it is the starting point of all our back problems. Continuous usage of high heels disturbs the alignment due to which the back bone gets excessively curved (hyperlordosis), hence causing damage to our spine. Regular use of high heels over a long time leads to spasm & contracture of hamstrings & gluteal muscles arising from lower lumbo-sacral spine & pelvis. Contracture of these muscles lead to twisting and deformity of the spine called hyperlordosis. Hyperlordosis leads increased concentration of stresses & loads on the intervertebral disc (IVD), joints of the back bone & joints of the pelvic bone. Hyperlordosis also leads to stretching of supporting ligaments on the front aspect of the back bone while at the same time tightening of ligaments on the back side of the back bone. This imbalance in long term leads to rapid degeneration of the intervertebral disc & the facet joints at a young age as well as inflammation of the sacro-iliac joints. Degeneration, inflammation & stiffness of all these structures lead to painful disability & loss of flexibility & mobility.   

Further high heel causes Lower Back ache and other related problems like Slip Disc, Hyper-Lordosis, and Sciatica etc. Slip disc is the most common back problem among women. Besides the anatomy of women is such that any extra load impacts their back directly.

Back pain if starts once, doesn’t get relieved before 3-4 weeks and that too through complete rest. Generally, people consume painkillers or apply various pain dissolving ointments and gels; to get rid of the pain. Pain killer at max for a while may give you relief from pain but the underlying cause still exists. Until that is cured, no permanent relief will be available, So it is best to consult a doctor.

If the pain is followed by swelling, an ice pack can be a great relief. Ice pack increases the flow of blood in the veins, which releases oxygen supply in the tissues. Exercises which increase the flexibility and mobility of the muscles in the back and hip region could be useful if performed under the supervision of an expert physiotherapist. 

Women can opt for cushioned footwear with silicone gel pads which comforts the sole of the feet keeping the stress on the back at bay. Such foot wears are easily available at various medical stores.

High heels are strictly no-no for pregnant women. In pregnancy the weight constantly increases and because the centre of gravity keeps changing it affects the balance of the body. This naturally increases the strain in the back. Flat shoes are recommended in this stage.

Problems related to back ache must be consulted with a spine specialist as the hidden reason behind your prolonged back pain could be due to the gap between the vertebrae or slip disc. 

Dr. Sudeep Jain, Consultant Spine Surgeon

Director, Spine Solutions India

www.spinesolutionsindia.com

For young proffesionals,lifestyle modifications are necessary in order to lead a healthy and pain free life

Young professionals theses days spend long hours sitting in their offices in front of their computer screens. They have no choice but to follow this regimen as in order to rise in life. But these long hours brings in its wake back and neck pain. These are mostly the result of the sedentary lifestyle, wrong postures and high stress level. Initially, people ignore these back pains, but if not attended in time these things can turn into something bigger. The small niggling pain gives you a signal that some modification in the lifestyle is required. These modifications may be in the form of right posture, exercises and leading a stress free life. In the absence, you are exposing your self to persistent long term pain.