MICHAEL N
Most people aged 30 years and above are increasingly experiencing back pain, a condition that is affecting both their physical health and mental wellbeing.
In an interview between our reporter and Abias Nuwahereza, a senior orthopedic doctor at Mulago Hospital and a technician at Good Hope Dental African Mission, a private health organisation, it was revealed that most back pain cases arise from strenuous physical work, poor sitting and sleeping posture—especially among the elderly—as well as muscle or ligament strain and accidents.
He further explained that back pain cases are also rising among young people, mainly due to hard labor involving lifting heavy objects or materials, which puts strain on the back ligaments. He noted that common symptoms include sharp pain, localized tenderness along the vertebrae, and stiffness that tends to worsen with movement.
Nuwahereza also pointed out that certain diseases can contribute to back pain. For example, ulcers that damage the liver and create holes in it may cause severe pain during swallowing, which in turn can lead to strain and pain in the back ligaments.
However, Dr. Nuwahereza emphasized that most back pain cases can be prevented or relieved through simple measures, especially for individuals below 60 years of age. He noted that if prevention fails, basic home care and proper body use can help recovery within a few weeks, with surgery rarely needed.
He advised people to maintain proper sitting posture, keep the back straight, and sleep on a firm mattress. He also recommended a well-balanced diet made up of a variety of colorful foods, fruits such as red grapes and cherries, herbs and spices like ginger and turmeric, as well as fish, soy products, and even coffee, as these may help in reducing back pain.
