Strengthen Your Skeletal System

Dr. S. Janardan, an orthopedic doctor having years of experience in treating patients with spine injury, shoulder pain, trauma and several such orthopedic problems. He has answered few basic questions related to back pain, RSI and other orthopedic problems for us.

Interviewed by Health Team

Our Health Team (HT) - Back pain is what most of us think of when we hear about an Ortho specialist. Low back pain has become so common these days with people of all age groups. What do you think is the reason for this?

1. Janardan (SJ) - Yes, the most important reason for low back pain include stress, bad roads, bad posture and lack of adequate physical activity.

HT - What are the different methods by which the younger generation and the middle aged people can avoid low back pain?

SJ - The current generation should consider the following things to avoid low back pain –

• Develop ergonomics at work.
• Travel with comfort.
• Exercise adequately and regularly.
• Decrease the stress levels.

HT - How helpful is low back surgery, if there is no relief from any kind of treatments such as physiotherapy, yoga, bed rest etc.?

SJ - Lower back surgery would be helpful for those who are not relieved from any kind of treatments mentioned like yoga, physiotherapy, bed rest etc. The surgery is done only after a proper indication from expertise.

HT - We have heard people saying, surgery might make the people bed ridden for a long period. Is that true?

SJ - This is not true at all! Patients are made to walk the day after an uncomplicated disc surgery (the most common cause of Low Back Ache).

HT - Can physiotherapy give a permanent solution to a person with low back pain/injury after an Ortho's review?

SJ - Depending on the causes of lower back pain the treatments can vary from person to person. It usually depends on what kind of an injury a person has, provided it is not a structural problem.

HT - It is said that yoga has a better and a positive effect to a low back pain compared to physiotherapy. Your views on this?

SJ - Physiotherapy and yoga are complimentary to each other. Yoga can be part of a regular exercise routine after taking the guidance of an expert.

HT - Some ideas about the fluid present in the low back region? What is the reason to test this fluid?

SJ - The fluid present in that region is called cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). CSF is tested for any alterations in its character due to various conditions, which again differs from person to person.

HT - How much of impact does being overweight/obese put on low back pain and knee pain and how useful is losing weight in reducing the pain?

SJ - A LOT! Orthopedician's agree that losing weight successfully often results in partial or complete back pain relief. When you lose weight, you are effectively reducing strain on your spinal column and on your back muscles. Hence a person who has back pain and is overweight, the first line of treatment is to attain a desirable weight by following diet and exercising regularly.

HT - These days we hear a lot on RSI (Repetitive stress injury). Why do people get it?

SJ - RSI is common due to lack of ergonomics, wrong/bad posture and work practices.

HT - What is carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow? Why people working on computers/laptop are more susceptible for it? What care should be taken to avoid it?

SJ - Compression of a nerve in the wrist is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Both carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow are part of Repetitive Stress Injury. Adopt good ergonomics and give yourself and the computer a rest at regular intervals.

HT - Is De Quervain's syndrome also suffered only by people with excess computer usage or by others also? If yes, then who are the people who are more susceptible to it and how can we avoid it?

SJ - De Quervain's syndrome is not exclusively suffered by people with excess computer usage, but yes these set of people get it more often as part of RSI. Patients with hypothyroidism are also more prone to develop this condition. Avoid abusive use of the wrist!

HT - Is there any treatment for muscle soreness? Any home remedies?

SJ - Adequate rest and application of ice can help alleviate muscle soreness.

HT - What are your views on importance of diet for healthy bones?

SJ - Diet and exercise are both equally important to maintain healthy bones.

HT - Lastly, would you like to give a message to our readers?

SJ - Yes definitely! Lastly I would like to say try not to be overweight; do not say that you do not have time for exercise; adopt good work culture and ergonomics.

Stay Healthy and Fit!

With deep gratitude to -

Dr.S.Janardan, M.S.(Orthopedics)

Special Interest in Trauma, Spine and Shoulder

Consultant in Sidvin Multispecialist Hospital and Sugana Hospital, Rajajinagar

The Orthopedic Clinic

19 A, 1st Main road

3rd stage, 3rd block,

Basaveswaranagar, Bangalore – 560079

Clinic Timings - 12 noon to 2.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

For appointments please call - 080-23237205