Spine care during the coronavirus lockdown

How should I look after my back during lockdown?

The best thing is to stay active. Walking is a very good exercise as it helps to maintain muscle strength and balance in the spine. Between 20-30 minutes of walking, three or four times a week, can help manage flare-ups in pain. If the pain persists despite this and isn’t controlled by simple painkillers after a few weeks, then go to see your GP or Physiotherapist.  The majority of people have back pain that’s self-limiting and subsides within a few weeks.

Has lockdown had any effect on the types of spinal problems people are experiencing?

A significant proportion of patients coming through the clinic date the onset of their symptoms to the start of the lockdown. This may be for several reasons, including less physical activity, more sedentary working and an inability or reluctance to see a medical practitioner when the pain starts. Many patients have suffered six or more months of severe debilitating symptoms for problems that are often relatively simple to treat.

One of the common features has been a reluctance to have a consultation for fear of overburdening medical services or contracting coronavirus. However, despite the constraints the coronavirus period has created, I aim to provide the same quality of care that was provided prior to the outbreak of the pandemic.

Are patients with spine problems treated as they were before coronavirus?

I have treated and operated on many patients with spinal problems throughout the pandemic. This has included major surgeries as well as minor procedures. No patient suffered coronavirus-related problems during or after treatment. Thus, the full range of spinal treatments can still be offered.

To book into Mr Bhagawati’s clinic, simply complete the contact form here or call 01442 331 900.