Posture Perfect

Dr Beramji and his wife Yasmin have pioneered research in acupuncture for orthopaedic disorders and for the past 25 years, have treated 10,000 patients for everything from frozen shoulder, arthritis, spondylosis and slipped disc.

It’s back to basics time. We all know that while major diseases have been eradicated, back problems are only growing. Our lifestyles, cars, TVs in the bedroom, computers, stress—all have a share of the blame in this. But most of all it is us, for our sheer carelessness and lack of information. Did you, for instance, know that 50 per cent of all backaches are caused due to bad posture? Or a pot belly? That every extra kilo at the waist means the muscles of the back and spine have to carry 10 to 12 times extra weight? Or ever wondered why soldiers who stand ramrod straight have almost no back problems?

Posture, obesity, lack of exercise and pregnancy are all physiological causes of backache. Then there are the pathological ones (traumatic injury, deficiency of vitamin D, infective disorders like TB of the spine, fibroids pressing on the sciatic nerve in the case of females, flat arched feet etc). ‘‘That is why when my patients come to me with a back problem I have to evaluate them from head to foot,’’ says Dr Beramji, ‘‘since it’s a single suspension system made by that magnificent architect, God.’’

Interestingly, a pain in the foot may indicate a back problem (because of the network of nerves that span out of the spinal cord). The muscles, including those of the abdomen, back and hamstrings, are equally important in supporting the back. All these need to be taken care of to ensure that the 24 major joints of the spine (with disc padding in between them) stay in top working form.

For starters, Dr Beramji explains, it’s important to stand straight (imagine a plumb line through the center of your head). The center of gravity should be maintained at zero so that there is least amount of stress on your back. And ensure that you sleep on a ‘‘firm surface’’ not a ‘‘hard one’’. Dr Beramji recommends the cotton 3-inch box pleated mattress, though even coir ones are good in our hot climate. The high density orthopaedic mattresses are useful too.

We invariably wind up with questions about slipped disc. Discs, Dr Beramji explains, are like chikoos, which form pads between bony vertebrae. ‘‘When we say slipped disc, all that has happened is that the ripe chikoo has been squeezed and the vertebrae start pressing on the nerves.” Dr Beramji recommends exercises and is completely against painkillers. He focuses on prevention rather than cure. His Satya Health Farm, a body and soul clinic near Mumbai, set on 50 acres, offers yoga, meditation, Kerala massages, acupuncture and more. Along with basic back care to ensure you get back on track, really fast.

Beramji Hospital,
022-23692772, 022-23690220.
drber-amji@satyahealthfarm.com