Orthopaedic surgeon says 'lower back pain is world’s no. 1 cause of disability', shares 3 common mistakes that worsen it

Lower-back pain affects millions globally and is the leading cause of disability. Orthopaedic surgeon shares 3 daily habits to ease pain and aid recovery.
Lower-back pain affects millions of people worldwide, making everyday activities like sitting, bending, or lifting a struggle. Often ignored or dismissed as a minor issue, it can become a major cause of disability if not addressed in time. Orthopaedic and sports surgeon Dr Obaidur Rahman shares in his September 23 Instagram post 3 simple and effective ways to ease pain and strengthen your back. (Also read: Orthopaedic surgeon shares 8 everyday habits that put your lungs, heart and other organs at risk: ‘Loud music…' )
According to the World Health Organisation, in 2020, low back pain (LBP) affected 619 million people worldwide. This number is expected to rise to 843 million by 2050, driven largely by population growth and ageing. LBP is the leading cause of disability globally and represents the condition for which the largest number of people could benefit from rehabilitation.
“Lower-back pain is now the world’s #1 cause of disability. Stop guessing. Start fixing,” Dr Rahman wrote in the caption. According to him, your back pain will never improve if you keep doing these 3 things daily:
1. Cross-legged sitting or poor posture
If you maintain a cross-legged or slouched sitting position, it aggravates your back pain. It causes your lumbar spine to flex excessively, which can lead to herniation of the discs.
2. Riding a bike or scooter
This increases vertical compression on your spine. The discs, which act as shock absorbers, can get pushed backwards, increasing the risk of herniation.
3. Forward bending and weight lifting
Flexion loading while lifting weights or repeatedly bending forward also prevents your back from healing properly.
"Essentially, you need to create an environment for your discs to heal. Avoid activities and postures that put unnecessary pressure on your spine, and focus on movements that support recovery," concludes Dr Rahman.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
ABOUT THE AUTHORAkanksha AgnihotriAkanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.

E-Paper


