World Spine Day 2025: Modern Lifestyles Fuel Surge in Back and Neck Problems Among Young Adults

As World Spine Day marks its annual observance today, experts like Dr S. Vidyadhara, head of spine surgery at Manipal Hospital Bengaluru, are sounding the alarm on how modern lifestyles are driving a sharp rise in spinal disorders, even among young professionals in their 20s and 30s. Once largely confined to older adults or manual labourers, chronic neck and back pain now afflicts India's urban workforce due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and excessive smartphone use.

The global initiative, launched by the World Federation of Chiropractic, promotes spinal health through education, advocating for ergonomic habits and early intervention to curb a growing public health crisis. In India, where over 20% of adults report back pain annually per AIIMS studies, lifestyle shifts are reshaping spinal wellness, with urbanites spending 8-10 hours daily at desks or on devices.

The "sitting epidemic" is a primary culprit, with sedentary work environments eroding spinal health. Poor posture during long hours hunched over laptops—often on unsupportive surfaces like sofas—disrupts the spine’s natural curvature, exerting up to 25 kg of pressure on the neck when leaning forward, akin to carrying a heavy load. This strains muscles, stresses discs, and fosters chronic pain, with hospital OPDs reporting a 30% uptick in such cases over the past decade.

Equally concerning is "text neck", driven by checking smartphones 50-100 times daily, bending the cervical spine unnaturally. Dr Vidyadhara notes that young patients now mirror spinal degeneration once seen in those over 50, with conditions like cervical spondylosis rising 15% among tech professionals, per industry data.

Sleep habits exacerbate the issue. Stomach sleeping twists the neck for hours, while soft mattresses fail to support spinal alignment, contributing to stiffness and pain. Dr Vidyadhara recommends sleeping on the back or side with a supportive pillow to maintain neutral alignment.

Preventive measures are straightforward: position laptop screens at eye level, sit with back support and feet flat, take stretch breaks every 30-40 minutes, and hold phones higher to reduce neck strain. Daily gentle stretches can enhance flexibility, countering the 60% rise in physiotherapy referrals for posture-related issues noted by urban clinics. These habits are critical as India's workforce, projected to grow by 90 million by 2030, faces increased spinal health risks amid digitalisation.

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Warning signs demand prompt action. Persistent pain lasting over 2-3 weeks, numbness or tingling in limbs, radiating pain, or balance issues warrant a spine specialist’s evaluation, as untreated conditions may escalate to herniated discs or nerve damage, with surgical interventions rising 12% annually. Dr Vidyadhara emphasises, "Your spine carries you through life. Small daily habits add up."

World Spine Day’s 2025 theme, "Support Your Spine," resonates in India, where ergonomic workspaces and awareness campaigns could save millions from disability. As urban lifestyles evolve, prioritising prevention over treatment is key to ensuring India’s young professionals stand tall against the silent epidemic of spinal strain.

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