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Disc Problems on the Rise Among Telangana Youth
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Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 23:47 GMT by The Hans India- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Disc Problems on the Rise Among Youngsters in Telangana – A Concise Overview
The Hans India, 15 May 2024 – In a recent report that has caught the attention of both healthcare professionals and concerned parents across Telangana, the state’s youth are experiencing a surge in disc‑related ailments. The article, published by The Hans India, examines the causes, clinical presentations, and potential solutions for this growing public‑health issue, drawing on recent research, expert commentary, and data from local hospitals.
1. The Core Finding
The headline, “Disc problems on the rise among youngsters,” is backed by a study conducted by the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) and the Kakatiya University School of Medicine. In a cross‑sectional survey of 1,200 students aged 15–24 from 10 schools in Hyderabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar, the researchers found that 19 % of respondents reported symptoms suggestive of cervical or lumbar disc degeneration – a figure that is double the national average for the same age group.
The article notes that most of the affected youths reported chronic neck or low‑back pain, numbness in the limbs, or reduced range of motion. Alarmingly, a subset of cases required surgical intervention, indicating that early detection and management are critical.
2. Why Are Young People Suffering?
The piece offers a clear, evidence‑based list of contributing factors:
| Factor | Explanation | Expert Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Prolonged Screen Time | Students spend an average of 6–8 hours/day on laptops, tablets, and smartphones, often with poor ergonomics. | “Sitting in a forward‑leaning posture for extended periods compresses the cervical discs, accelerating wear and tear.” – Dr. Anil Kumar, Orthopaedic Surgeon, NIMS |
| Inadequate Physical Activity | Modern lifestyles, especially post‑COVID, have reduced outdoor play and sports participation. | “Lack of core strengthening exercises weakens the spine’s support system.” – Ms. Priya Nair, Physiotherapist |
| Improper Ergonomic Setup | Many students use school desks or bed pillows as makeshift workstations. | “The angle of the screen and the height of the keyboard are critical for spine health.” – Prof. R. Venkatesh, Ergonomics Researcher |
| Rapid Weight Gain | Rising obesity rates among teens increase axial load on spinal discs. | “An extra 5 kg can add significant pressure on the lumbar spine.” – Dr. Shyam Reddy, Endocrinologist |
| Genetic Predisposition | Certain families have a history of early disc degeneration. | “We see a higher incidence in families where a parent had disc surgery before 50.” – Dr. Neelam Rao, Genetics Specialist |
3. Clinical Picture
The article summarizes the most common symptoms reported:
- Cervical Disc Issues: Neck stiffness, headaches, tingling in the hands, occasional numbness.
- Lumbar Disc Problems: Lower‑back pain, reduced flexibility, difficulty standing or walking for long periods.
- Radicular Pain: Pain radiating down the legs or arms due to nerve root compression.
- Postural Deficits: Forward head posture, rounded shoulders.
A few case studies highlighted in the piece illustrate these symptoms. For example, a 20‑year‑old engineering student, “Rahul,” presented with chronic neck pain after a year of intensive online classes. MRI revealed a Grade‑I cervical disc protrusion, and conservative treatment with physiotherapy and ergonomic modifications improved his symptoms within three months.
4. Expert Voices
The article features insights from a diverse panel:
- Orthopaedic Surgeons: Emphasize the importance of early imaging (MRI/CT) when pain persists >3 weeks, especially if neurological signs appear.
- Physiotherapists: Advocate for structured exercise regimens, including core strengthening and stretching, to maintain disc health.
- Ergonomists: Provide guidelines for setting up a study environment that reduces spinal strain—screen at eye level, chair height allowing feet flat on the floor, and a 90‑degree elbow angle.
- Public Health Officials: Note that Telangana’s Health and Family Welfare Department plans to integrate spine‑health screening into the existing school health program.
5. Prevention & Management Strategies
The article lists practical steps that students, parents, and schools can adopt:
Ergonomic Interventions: - Use of adjustable desks and chairs. - Placement of screens at eye level. - Frequent breaks (every 30–45 minutes) to stand, stretch, and move.
Physical Activity: - Minimum 60 minutes of moderate‑intensity exercise daily. - Incorporation of yoga and Pilates for spinal flexibility. - Participation in sports such as basketball, swimming, or badminton.
Posture Education: - Awareness campaigns in schools about the “neutral spine” concept. - Workshops on proper sitting and studying habits.
Diet & Weight Management: - Balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega‑3 fatty acids. - Monitoring BMI to prevent excessive load on the spine.
Early Screening & Referral: - Routine check‑ups by school health officers. - Prompt referral to specialists if pain persists beyond a week or is accompanied by neurological deficits.
6. Governmental Initiatives
The article points to recent policy moves:
- Telangana Health Mission: Plans a pilot program in four districts to screen 5,000 students for spinal health using portable ultrasound and digital posture assessment tools.
- Digital Learning Guidelines: New state guidelines recommend maximum screen time of 2 hours for schoolchildren, with mandatory “active breaks” in the curriculum.
- Public Awareness Campaign: “Healthy Spine, Healthy Future” series of posters and social‑media content targeting youths.
These initiatives aim to curb the trend before it escalates into chronic conditions that could affect future workforce productivity.
7. Takeaway
Disc problems among Telangana’s youth are no longer a niche concern; they represent a silent epidemic fueled by modern technology, sedentary habits, and inadequate ergonomics. The The Hans India article underscores that:
- Early detection and education can reverse the trajectory of disc degeneration.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration—between doctors, physiotherapists, educators, and policymakers—is essential.
- Individual responsibility (proper posture, regular movement) is as critical as public health measures.
By addressing these factors collectively, Telangana can hope to stem the tide of disc problems and safeguard the spine health of its next generation.
For further details, readers are encouraged to visit the original article on The Hans India and explore the referenced studies and governmental press releases linked within.
Read the Full The Hans India Article at:
[ https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/disc-problems-on-the-rise-among-youngsters-1029200 ]
