Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 17: On the eve of the National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day, medical experts have called on the importance of valuing life and avoiding unnecessary risks to prevent debilitating spinal injuries.
Prof (Dr) Mufti Mahmood Ahmed, Associate Director of Urology at Paras Health Srinagar, said there is a need for creating awareness, especially among youth, about the profound impact of spinal cord injuries on quality of life.
He urged people to take precautions to safeguard their future and that of their families, saying that there is only one life and it should be valued.
Regarding treatment options, Dr Mahmood said that advancements in medical techniques have led to multidisciplinary approaches with reasonably acceptable outcomes.
Renowned orthopedician Dr Altaf Kawoosa, Head of Unit at Bone and Joint Hospital Srinagar, highlighted the gravity of spinal injuries, saying that they can result in irreversible loss of function, disabilities and even loss of life.
“Common causes are road traffic accidents and falls from heights,” he said.
However, there are preventable incidents like falls from walnut trees in the region, Dr Kawoosa said. “This has led to countless disabilities in the community and loss of precious lives in the past. This unfortunate practice of walnut harvest must be replaced by some alternative methods,” he added.
Dr Altaf said spinal cord injuries, often stemming from traumatic events like car accidents or falls, can have profound and lasting effects on mobility, sensation, and overall bodily functions. These injuries not only affect individuals but also impact their families, caregivers, and communities, he said.
Doctors underscored the importance of raising public awareness and promoting research and innovation to address the challenges associated with spinal cord injuries.
The aim of the Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day is to galvanise efforts from governments, healthcare providers, researchers and the public to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those living with spinal cord injuries, they said.
