Pune: Orthopaedic doctors and surgeons in the city said that commuting on potholed roads had led to a 20% increase in the number of citizens suffering from several forms of back ailments and advised extreme caution to those who use two-wheelers regularly. Founder of Spinology Clinic Dr Kiran Shete told TOI, “This monsoon has seen a 20% jump in the number of cases of slip disc and neck pain. Travelling on bumpy roads can have serious health consequences.
Highest at risk are those commuting to office daily, delivery personnel and frequent travellers.” Shete said patients were mainly in the age group of 25 to 50 years. “Jerks received from potholed roads pass directly from hands to shoulders to neck and from buttocks to lumbar spine — leading to damage of delicate spinal structures.
” Camp resident Kirtana Suresh was recently travelling pillion on a two-wheeler that her office colleague was riding. While manoeuvring a cracked speed breaker put together with rocks along East Street, Kirtana fell and injured her back. “I have a sprained back and will have to see a doctor.
I cannot move properly and without support. I am unable to attend office in my condition,” she said. Dr Ajay Kothari, consultant spine surgeon with Sancheti Hospital, said the spike in the number of such patients was tremendous.
“We have had two serious cases of spine fracture after patients fell on hitting a pothole filled with water. One even had to go through surgery. Our OPD is seeing a lot of citizens with back-related complaints.
Some come in much later when the pain flares up,” he told TOI. Orthopaedic surgeon at Arcus Hospital Dr Rohit Luthra said he had witnessed a twofold increase in patients since the rains began. “One needs to take special care while on the roads.
People should drive slowly, wear seatbelts and take regular breaks. If there is persistent pain and discomfort, one should immediately consult an orthopaedic specialist,” he told TOI. Kundan Joshi, who daily rides his two-wheeler to and from work for 40-45kms, said he had become increasingly tired and angry.
“I get agitated when I am forced to use roads in such disrepair. It trickles into my behaviour at home frequently. Why should we be subjected to such torture? I am just 40 years old and am always exhausted due to sudden back pains and spasms,” said the Pimpri resident and bank employee.
Dr Murtaza Adeeb, an orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon and director of Advanced Bone Care Clinic, said that two-wheeler riders were the worst affected with neck and lower back issues. “Problems include acute cervical and lumbar spondylitis and a high frequency of ankle and wrist injuries. I am seeing almost a 30% rise in such cases of late,” he told TOI.
Physiotherapist Dr Bhakti Patil said it was alarming to see the sudden increase in the number of people coming for sessions. “Most are young people aged between 20 and 25 years with complaints of lower back and neck issues because of bad roads and continuous driving/riding.”.
