98 pc of spinal problems treatable without surgery

Kochi, Nov 8 (UNI) Stating that almost all spinal problems can be cured without surgery, two back pain specialists said here that bad posture and stress were the main causes of these ailments.

Addressing a press conference last night, Dr Ron Cholfin of the US and Dr Sasikumar, former Medical Director of NMC Hospital, Dubai, said they had successfully combined latest advances in physical medicine in the US and Europe with the time-tested Indian practice of 'yoga' to cure spinal problems without surgery.

''Ninety-eight per cent of back and neck pain cases can be cured without surgery as these are mainly caused by bad posture, stress and strain of modern life, which result in conditions such as spondylosis, disc prolapse and sciatica,'' Dr Cholfin said.

Announcing the launch of a new treatment centre, 'Kumar International Centre', here, Dr Sasikumar said the latest treatment regimens included IDD Therapy, which was an advanced modification of traction developed by neurosurgeons in the US.

Other methods included electroceutical therapy, which was developed in Germany and 'Class 4 laser' treatment used in Italy and Eastern European countries.

While the 'Class 4 laser treatment' delivers energy and rejuvenates damaged tissues, electroceutical tone signalling device produces small pricking currents, which help in chronic back pain cases.

Dr Sasikumar said they were planning to open similar treatment centres in other cities in Kerala, Indian metros and in the Gulf countries.

''These centres would also give a boost to medical tourism in the country as the cost of treatment would be only one-fifth compared to western countries,'' he said.

According to Dr Cholfin, almost one per cent of the population any given time suffers from back pain.

UNI