Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 10: Spinal disc problems, once largely a complaint of old age, are increasingly being diagnosed among young and middle-aged people in Kashmir. Doctors say sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time and poor posture are driving the surge.
Medical experts say the human spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae, with soft cushion-like structures called intervertebral discs between them. These discs act as shock absorbers and help the spine move smoothly. When a disc becomes damaged, slips out of place, or bulges, it can press against nearby nerves, causing severe pain and other complications—commonly referred to as a slipped disc, disc bulge, or herniated disc.
Dr Tufail Ahmad, an orthopaedic specialist, said the shift in patient profile had been striking. “Earlier we mostly saw disc-related issues in elderly patients, but now people in their twenties and thirties are coming with severe back pain caused by disc bulges or herniation,” he said.
Dr Arshid Ahmad, a physiotherapist, said prolonged sitting is a primary culprit. “Many people spend long hours sitting in offices, driving vehicles or using smartphones and laptops. When the spine remains in one position for a long time without proper posture, the pressure on spinal discs increases,” he said.
He added that declining physical fitness had compounded the problem. “People are becoming less physically active. Weak back and abdominal muscles fail to support the spine properly, which increases the chances of disc damage,” he said.
Doctors further said that sudden heavy lifting, poor sleeping posture, obesity and vitamin deficiencies contribute to disc problems. “In Kashmir, we also see patients who develop back issues due to improper lifting of heavy loads or sudden twisting movements, especially among labourers and farmers,” they said.
Common symptoms include persistent lower back pain, pain radiating to the legs or arms, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness and difficulty standing or walking for extended periods. In severe cases, untreated disc problems can lead to chronic pain and nerve damage.
“If a disc presses heavily on nerves, it can cause severe sciatica, a pain travelling from the lower back down to the legs. In rare cases, it may even affect bladder control or mobility,” doctors warned.
However, many patients delay seeking help. “Many patients delay medical consultation and rely only on painkillers. By the time they come to the hospital, the disc damage has already progressed,” a doctor said.
Medical experts say disc problems can often be prevented through simple lifestyle changes. Doctors recommend maintaining proper posture while sitting or standing, avoiding long periods of continuous sitting, regular exercise and stretching, strengthening back and abdominal muscles, avoiding improper lifting of heavy loads, maintaining a healthy body weight, and using supportive mattresses and chairs.
“People who work on computers should take short breaks every 30 to 40 minutes. Even a few minutes of walking or stretching can reduce stress on the spine,” they said.
Most disc problems, doctors said, can be managed through physiotherapy, lifestyle changes and medication, with surgery required only in a small number of severe cases. “Back pain should not be ignored, especially if it lasts for weeks or radiates to the legs. Early treatment can prevent long-term disability,” they added.
