Watch your back! Poor Ahmedabad roads can cause of back pain, say experts

Due to the potholes, the number of patients with back pain has increased by about 30%

Updated: Aug 14th, 2024


Even light showers in Ahmedabad cause potholes in the city, leading to back problems for the city commuters.

Due to the potholes, the number of patients with back pain has increased by about 30%, believes an orthopaedic doctor.

Surge in orthopaedic cases 

Poor road conditions have led to an increase in back pain, sciatica, and related bone disorders. This has caused a surge in orthopaedic cases in both private and government hospitals.

At Ahmedabad’s Civil hospitals in Asarwa and Sola, there has been a significant rise in orthopaedic cases. At Civil Hospital’s orthopaedic department in Asarwa, an average of 60 out of 100 daily patients suffer from back pain.

According to orthopaedic doctors, regular driving over potholes can lead to back pain and sciatica issues. Dr Piyush Mittal, Director of the Spine Institute at Civil Hospital, mentioned that there is a general increase in back pain cases during the monsoon.

For individuals with bone-related issues, driving over potholes can lead to back pain and issues with the spinal column. It’s advisable to drive slowly when encountering potholes to avoid worsening the condition. Back pain is also increasing among young people due to sedentary lifestyles, long drives, poor road conditions, and carrying heavy bags.

Advice for commuters

- Those already suffering from back pain or cervical issues should wear lumbar-sacral belts or cervical collars while driving.

- Not only should the driver wear seat belts, but passengers should also wear them to minimise the impact of sudden jolts from potholes.

- Drivers should avoid excessive speed and sudden braking.

- People with joint issues should be cautious as uneven roads can exacerbate spinal problems.

In addition to back pain, there has also been an increase in complaints of leg pain, particularly in the left leg, due to frequent use of the clutch by car drivers.

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