Mumbai doctors are concerned due to the alarming rise in spine health issues among women after pregnancy and even adults. Once considered a problem of older age, early-onset back pain is giving a tough time to everyone.
Sedentary lifestyles, long hours of screen use, and poor posture habits are putting the spine under constant strain, leading to both short-term discomfort and long-term complications if left untreated. Timely management of spine problems will help everyone to remain pain-free and resume the daily routine with ease.
Motherhood brings immense joy, but it also brings physical challenges that are often overlooked.
Dr Vishwanathan Iyer, neurosurgeon, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai explains, “Many new mothers experience back pain, posture issues, and spinal discomfort due to the changes their bodies undergo during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy, weight gain, hormonal shifts, and an altered posture put extra stress on the spine. After delivery, daily responsibilities such as lifting the baby, prolonged breastfeeding, and lack of adequate rest can worsen this discomfort and sometimes lead to conditions like lumbar strain, disc problems, or chronic lower back pain. Shockingly, there is a 60 per cent spike in spine problems when it comes to new mothers. Monthly, 6 out of 10 pregnant women after pregnancy aged 25-35 have back pain, which interferes with their daily routine.”
Dr Iyer adds, “Posture correction, strengthening exercises, and physiotherapy play a vital role in dealing with spine problems. Mothers should avoid bending forward repeatedly, use supportive chairs for feeding, and practice gentle stretches. Preventive measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, taking short breaks during childcare tasks, and ensuring adequate rest can protect the spine. Timely consultation with a doctor is key because back pain should never be dismissed as ‘normal after pregnancy. Addressing it early helps mothers regain mobility, confidence, and a pain-free quality of life.”
Dr Siddharth Katkade, spine surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital Mumbai further says, “Spine problems are not limited to older people anymore. There is a spike in cases of postural deformities, and early-onset back pain among adults aged 25-45. Factors such as sitting for long hours, poor ergonomics, and lack of regular physical activity weaken the core and back muscles. Prolonged use of mobile phones, laptops, and tablets leads to “tech neck,” and slouched posture can cause spine problems. Low intake of calcium and vitamin D weakens bones and increases the risk of deformities. There is a 60 per cent rise in spine issues among adults. Among the 10 adults aged under 45 I see a month, 6 are having stiffness and reduced flexibility in the neck due to constant use of mobile phones, laptops, persistent back or neck pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the limbs due to sedentary lifestyles, obesity.”
Dr Katkade concludes, “If ignored, spinal problems can lead to chronic pain and reduced spinal mobility, abnormal postures (neck hump, hunchback) slipped disc, nerve compression, and even long-term disability affecting daily activities and quality of life. Adults should maintain an active lifestyle with daily exercise and stretching. Follow correct sitting and standing posture while working, limit continuous screen time, and take short breaks every 30–40 minutes. Ensure adequate nutrition, including calcium and vitamin D, for strong bones. Regular spine checks are necessary to detect early postural changes.”
