Driving a major reason for pain in lower back: Expert

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 17

Driving is one of the major reasons of lower back pain among Indians, says international biomedical engineer Vijay Goel, who was in the city to attend an alumnus meet at Thapar University.

Goel, a USA-based biomedical engineer, said though the quality of roads had improved in India, there was still a long way to go. In fact, vibrations, owing to bumpy roads, in the spine play a huge role in development of lower back ailments. He said, “No doubt, there has been an improvement in the quality of roads, but the increased traffic has added to the driving time, which again contributes in lower back problems. In rural areas, a majority of roads is still below the required standards.”

Goel, who was awarded with International Award for Medical Sciences by Deputy Ruler of Dubai on December 12, cautioned youngsters against driving for long hours.

Currently working as co-director, Engineering Centre for Orthopaedic Research Excellence, at the Department of Bioengineering, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA, Goel said, “ Back problems are not limited to just aged population. Even, youngsters are at risk, if they drive for long time.”

Suggesting some activities to avoid lower back pain, Goel said one should keep changing their posture every hour. “If you are driving or have a sitting job, you should keep changing the posture to avoid any spinal ailment.”

As surgeries of spinal ailments were not very 

successful, it was better to prevent their occurrence, he added.