16/10/2025
World Spine Day 2025: A Neurosurgeon’s Perspective – Invest in Your Spine
As a neurosurgeon, World Spine Day—observed every year on October 16—holds profound significance for me. The spine is much more than a column of bones; it is the axis of human mobility, supporting every movement, posture, and vital function our body performs. This year’s theme, “Invest in Your Spine,” is both a timely call to action and an urgent public health imperative.
Spinal pain is now recognised as the leading cause of years lived with disability globally—a staggering reality that affects millions across all age groups. In India, both lifestyle and occupational hazards have spurred an alarming rise in spinal disorders, while delayed recognition and lack of preventive care add to the burden. As a specialist who witnesses the life-changing impact of spinal disease daily, I urge everyone to treat spinal health as an essential investment, not an afterthought.
What does it mean to “invest” in your spine? Preventive care must take center stage. Simple yet powerful strategies should become a part of your daily routine:
• Maintain optimal posture at work and home; avoid prolonged sitting and use ergonomically designed furniture.
• Integrate regular movement into your daily life—whether through stretching, walking, yoga, or core-strengthening exercises.
• Safeguard your spine while sleeping by choosing a suitable mattress and pillow, and refrain from sleeping on your stomach.
• Lift objects with your knees—not your back—and never hesitate to seek help with heavy loads.
Let’s pledge, as a community and as individuals, to “invest in our spine.” This small, consistent effort will yield lifelong dividends in health, mobility, and quality of life.
