Social media becoming arch enemy of the spine

Manav Mander
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, October 15

Get it straight on World Spine Day: Social media is the culprit and is affecting the spine in a big way. The theme of the day this year is ‘Get Spine Active’.

Social media is coming up as a modern addiction spreading non-communicable diseases of the spine.

“Many terms are used these days, which co-relate social media and spine problems in teenagers. Problems like text neck, mobile elbow or cellphone elbow and rust spine are fast emerging at the teenage. It’s no wonder the pressure or compulsion to be active on the internet 24x7 is taking a toll on their general health,” said Dr Dipesh Batra, city-based neuro and spine surgeon.

He added that the impact of social media and screen time was a clear-cut indicator of alarming spine problems in teen and young.

Giving a solution to the problem, Dr Batra added that a healthy mind and body require one to indulge in some form of sports, cardio or yoga for at least 30 minutes daily.

Further, one can add lumbar and cervical core strengthening exercises as a daily routine to stay healthy in today’s modern era of social media.

Another city-based specialist said sedentary lifestyle was leading to negative impact on the health of the people.