Hyderabad: Once considered a condition of middle age, disc bulge is now emerging alarmingly among young adults — even teenagers. City doctors say the average age of patients presenting with the spinal disorder has dropped to 25-27 years, with many employed in the software and IT sector. In some cases, patients are as young as 17 or 18. Specialists warn that sedentary lifestyles, prolonged sitting, poor posture, excessive screen time, and improper workstation ergonomics are driving this trend.
Doctors at Osmania General Hospital and Gandhi Hospital report six to seven new cases every week, while private hospitals see even more. In one recent case at OGH, a man in his late 20s developed severe complications after lifting weights at the gym.
“The patient initially complained of acute back pain following heavy weightlifting. Soon after, he developed weakness in the legs. Further evaluation showed disc embolisation affecting the blood supply to the spinal cord,” said Dr Hemanth Kalakuntla, consultant neurologist, OGH. He said the condition is uncommon but can have devastating consequences. Reduced blood flow to the spinal cord can lead to spinal cord dysfunction, resulting in weakness, sensory loss and, in severe cases, even paralysis, he cautioned.
Dr B Dinesh Kumar, assistant professor of neurology, Gandhi Hospital, pointed to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and inadequate nutrition as key triggers. “We rarely saw such cases among youngsters in the past. Today, lifestyle changes have altered that pattern,” he said. Other risk factors include obesity, vitamin deficiencies, family history, sports injuries, and occupations involving heavy lifting or long hours of driving. Professional drivers, manual labourers and frequent two-wheeler riders are particularly vulnerable, experts explained.
Explaining the condition, Dr Sudhir Kumar, consultant neurologist, Apollo Hospitals, said: “When discs become weak or damaged, they can bulge and press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness or weakness. While 80 to 90% of patients improve with medicines, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes, surgery is needed only in a small number of cases.”
Doctors stress that prevention is critical. “Sitting for long periods places greater stress on the lower back, while continuous screen use strains the neck,” said Dr Kumar. Dr Hemanth said pressure on the spine can increase significantly during sitting. “The pressure on the lower back while sitting can be several times higher than when lying down. Without adequate exercise, weak back muscles cannot support the spine properly,” he warned.
Experts recommend keeping computer screens at eye level and taking frequent movement breaks. With disc bulge now striking the young, experts also warn that the health of an entire generation may depend on how seriously lifestyle changes are embraced.
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About the Author
Ajay Tomar, senior news correspondent based out of Hyderabad, primarily covers Telangana health and fire services sectors, with a keen eye on city developments, international issues, and other offbeat stories. He has reported on ITE&C, Transport, Telangana assembly elections and other political events in the past. He has a special corner for sports and regular photography.
