World Spine Day

World Spine Day is an annual health care event aiming to promote the importance of Spine Health and educate people to understand the seriousness of spine health.

World Spine Day is observed every year on “16th October”. Health organisations around the world organise various campaigns and activities on this day to highlight the importance of physical activities, proper posture for long-term back health and injury prevention. This is intended to educate and encourage people to participate in learning and practising to keep the spine healthy.

The theme for Worlds Spine Day 2023 is “MOVE YOUR SPINE”. This will focus on highlighting the ways in which all people can help their spines by staying mobile, increasing physical activity, not overloading their spine and adopting healthy habits such as exercises, avoiding obesity, and stop smoking.

Worlds Spine Day recognises the lack of access to quality spine care, and rehabilitation in areas with poor health facilities, which results in chronic spine
problems and permanent deformity. For many people, back or neck pain with associated disability is not just a minor inconvenience. It can lead to inability to
work and can affect quality of life.

Tips to Prevent Back and Neck Pain and associated Disability:

• Keep mobile and stay active. Most forms of back pain respond well to physical activity and exercises.
• When using a mobile/ cellphone, avoid excessive screen use, which can result in prolonged head and neck flexion leading to “Text Neck”.
• Warm up or stretch your body before exercising or physical activities.
• Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest. Sedentary behaviours can lead to deconditioning and reduced fitness that may make you more susceptible to
  back pain.
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight. Obesity has been associated with increased back pain
• Maintain proper posture by standing and sitting up straight.
• Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
• Select a mattress with good firmness so that it correctly supports your spine during sleep.
• Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting. Avoid excessively repetitive lifting activities.
• Stop smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in less oxygen and nutrient supply to spinal tissues.
• If working at a desk, ensure that your workstation is ergonomically correct.
• Avoid padding of back pockets or keeping bulky wallets, which can distort sitting posture and cause strains and sprains of lower back.
• Consider a good quality backpack, with padded, adjustable straps, as opposed to a briefcase or other bag.
• Consult a qualified health professional for advice if your back or neck pain is persistent and does not respond to usual care.

In conclusion, World Spine Day, observed on October 16th every year, raises awareness of the critical role spinal health plays in our lives. This event promotes
preventive measures like proper posture, exercises, and ergonomics to reduce risks of spinal problems. It emphasizes public education about common spinal problems, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options. It also advocates for equitable access to spinal healthcare services and highlights ongoing research and innovation in the field. It unites healthcare professionals and organizations worldwide, fostering international collaboration to prioritize spinal health and
overall well-being.

Dr. Madhusudhan Khompi
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
&
Dr. S K Saidapur MS(Ortho), MRCS(Ed), MCh(Ortho UK)​
Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon​
KAHER’S J N Medical College & KLES Dr Prabhakar Kore Hospital & MRC, Belagavi