Hyderabad long commutes, traffic congestion and uneven roads are aggravating back and neck pain among working professionals, two-wheeler riders and cab drivers, doctors at CARE Hospitals have warned ahead of World Spine Day on October 16.
The warning links the physical strain to several features of everyday urban travel and work: prolonged sitting, poor posture during long hours at desks or laptops, and repeated jolts from pothole-ridden and uneven roads. According to the doctors, these factors can cause muscle stiffness, worsen existing spinal conditions and contribute to persistent discomfort.
Dr. Randhir Kumar, Clinical Director and Senior Neurosurgeon at CARE Hospitals, said in a press release that daily commuting strain and continuous sitting frequently lead to muscle stiffness and discomfort. The warning places commuting alongside workplace posture as a factor affecting the spinal health of people whose daily routines involve extended periods of sitting.
The doctors also highlighted the different physical stresses faced by commuters. Two-wheeler riders and cab drivers can experience repeated jolts while travelling over damaged or uneven surfaces, while office workers may spend long periods seated at desks or using laptops without maintaining proper posture. The combination can strain the spine and aggravate existing back and neck problems, the specialists said.
Dr. Praveen Goparaju, Senior Spine Surgeon, said low back pain is a leading global cause of disability, but added that most cases can be managed through lifestyle changes, correct seating posture, physiotherapy and early medical consultation rather than surgery. His advice focuses on interventions that can be incorporated into daily routines before symptoms become more serious.
The recommendations include taking regular movement breaks, maintaining ergonomic alignment while seated and seeking medical advice when spinal symptoms persist. For commuters, the warning also draws attention to the physical consequences of road conditions that are often discussed primarily in terms of travel time, vehicle damage and traffic safety.
The advisory comes as World Spine Day approaches on October 16. It does not provide figures quantifying the number of Hyderabad residents affected or establish a citywide medical trend, but it identifies long travel times, congestion and uneven roads as recurring conditions that can add to musculoskeletal strain. The doctors advised citizens not to ignore persistent discomfort and to consult specialists early, while recommending physiotherapy and lifestyle modifications as part of non-surgical management where appropriate.