Delhi to run for spinal surgery awareness

Around 80 patients, who have undergone surgery for back pain, will be running the Delhi Half Marathon Dec 15 to promote awareness on the condition and viability of safe spine surgery.

"Although effective pain management interventions and programme do exist, provisions of these service are not consistent. Chronic pain is not given priority. There is a lack of awareness on the condition and its deleterious effects," said Shankar Acharya, senior spine surgeon of Ganga Ram hospital.

"Myths like one requires multiple spine surgeries, post surgery one will be bedridden for a long time exist in our country. Safe spine surgery is not available in India and hence patients find it difficult to take decision," added Acharya.

The patients who have recovered successfully after the surgery shared their experience and highlighted its importance.

"I have started valuing my health. Now I know how important it is to maintain spine health," said Vineet Malhotra, popular anchor with Neo Sports who underwent spine surgery at a young age.

"One should not try to run away from surgery, I am able to run in the marathon because of it," he added.

"When I was 25-year-old I underwent two surgeries after facing a pain in the right leg, and I am fine now," said Seema Sachdeva, a housewife now 45-year-old.

The cases of back pain are increasing due to improper sitting posture, poor work habits, lack of proper exercise and other lifestyle related factors.