02 December,2009 09:39 AM IST | | Alifiya Khan
A club for those who wish to lead a normal life without surgery
In 2005, Aparna Dutta, (48), a housewife, found herself bed-ridden after a spine surgery and frustrated with the heavy dose of medicines she had been prescribed. So when she heard of the Spine Club, she joined immediately. "In just three months, I was able to lead a normal life without any medication," she said.
Free of surgery
Spine Club was set up in 2003 at Sancheti Hospital, Shivaji Nagar, by Dr K H Sancheti, the founder of the hospital. The club caters to those people who have constant ache in their backs or joints and wish to avoid surgeries. "We have over 50 members. Depending on each one's ache, we design a preventive programme that comprises light exercises for mobility so that they can get rid of their pain without surgery," said physiotherapist Dr Deepti Kale who runs the club.
Most affected
According to Kale, young professionals below the age of 35 years, who have severe aches due to work-related stress and poor posture, form the majority of the club's membership. Take the case of 33-year-old techie Vishal Shrivastav. This resident of Aundh joined the club last year when he experienced severe pain in his spine due to the nature of his work. "The pain was excruciating and I didn't know what to do. That's when I joined the club for a three-month programme. It's been a year, but I haven't left. Now, if my colleagues get a slight ache, I know what can help them."
The club members also go to schools and offices to discuss causes of common aches. "The idea is to start people on preventive care. According to research, 90 per cent of the world's population suffers from back pain at some point," said Kale.
