Causes of spinal problems and those at risk

The Chronify

November 12, 2025

Four out of every five people in the world suffer from spinal problems. Among those affected, nearly 60 percent are unable to work. Spinal disorders have become a silent epidemic worldwide. At present, around one billion people across the globe are suffering from spine-related diseases.

Around one billion people worldwide suffer from spinal problems. Four out of every five people experience a spinal issue at some point in their lives. A large portion of workplace absenteeism is also linked to these conditions. As a result, approximately 830 million work hours are lost globally each year. The annual cost of treatment amounts to 86 billion US dollars, while the loss in productivity caused by affected individuals is estimated at 100 billion US dollars.

In 2020, about 619 million people suffered from lower back pain, and by 2050, this number is expected to exceed 843 million. Last year, the United States spent 134.5 billion dollars on the treatment of back and neck pain more than the cost of treating diabetes and other expensive diseases.

In addition to obesity and smoking, occupation is a major factor in spinal problems. A sedentary lifestyle and spending long hours sitting at a desk are among the main causes. Similarly, people engaged in physically demanding jobs are also at risk.

In low- and middle-income countries, spinal cord injuries have become a significant burden. Every year, about 15.4 million people worldwide suffer from spinal cord injuries. In low-income countries, a large proportion of these patients die, while those who survive often face lifelong paralysis.

About 34.6 percent of these patients end up dependent on wheelchairs or bedridden. A significant number of them are unable to return to work, and nearly 60 percent face permanent unemployment. This must be viewed as a major burden for any nation.

Highlighting the situation in Bangladesh, Dr. Salah Uddin said that road accidents, from autorickshaw crashes to larger collisions, occur regularly in the country. A study on spinal cord injuries conducted between 2012 and 2023 found that between 3,280 and 6,560 people are affected each year, with the majority of cases reported in the Dhaka division. Most of these are traumatic or accident-related injuries. Many patients come in with paralysis of both legs due to injuries to the back or lower spine, while those with neck injuries often lose control over their limbs as well as bladder and bowel functions.

Professor Dr. Zahid Raihan, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at Dhaka Medical College, said that last year, 2,319 patients received treatment for spinal problems at the hospital. These patients included children, adolescents, and adults. “We provide round-the-clock medical services,” he said. “Last year, we performed 1,242 surgeries. However, due to a shortage of operation theaters and anesthesiologists, we could not perform more. With adequate manpower and infrastructure, the number of surgeries could easily be doubled.”

He added that public awareness about spinal diseases in Bangladesh is still low. Many people ignore back pain, which leads to complications. With early diagnosis and treatment, many of these conditions could be prevented.

A large portion of the country’s population suffers from neck, back, and lower back pain. The main causes include accidental injuries, poor posture, lack of physical activity, and prolonged use of mobile phones and computers.