GHAZNI CITY (SW) – A number of women in Ghazni are expressing concern over the increasing prevalence of Spinal Disc Disease (DDD) among women in the province, noting that the pain caused by the condition is severely distressing, and its treatment is time-consuming.
Makai, a 30-year-old woman who has been suffering from spinal disc disease for the past year, told Salam Watandar that the medication prescribed by doctors only provides temporary relief. Once she stops taking the medication, the severe back pain returns.
Makai added, “It has been a year since I developed this spinal disc problem. I suffer a lot from it. When I take the medication, the pain lessens while I’m on it, but once I stop, the pain comes back stronger. Whenever I lift something heavy or do any strenuous work, the pain intensifies.”
Banin, who also struggles with spinal disc, shared, “Last year, while moving from one house to another, I developed this spinal disc problem. My legs hurt a lot. The pain worsens whenever I do heavy work. I can’t even lift anything from the ground. The doctor has given me a prescription for injections, which I receive every two days. I’ve also been doing some exercises in the morning, and it has helped a little.”
Sima, a caregiver, also said: “My older sister has had spinal disc disease for six months now, and she’s also pregnant. She can’t even take medicine. We went to the doctor, who said her pregnancy is the cause of her spinal disc problem.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Abdullah, an orthopedic doctor in Ghazni, explained that women’s negligence in performing heavy tasks, pregnancy, and lack of exercise are the primary causes of this illness.
“If we estimate, about one in every six women who visit us has spinal disc disease,” he told Salam Watandar. “The disc is a circular cartilage between the vertebrae of the spine. When the spine is under pressure, the ligament tears, and the disc bulges out, compressing the sciatic nerve, which causes severe pain. More spinal disc issues occur in women during their third trimester of pregnancy, especially close to delivery. The main reason is women’s negligence. They often work or cook while standing or do heavy laundry, which puts stress on the spine. Even a simple movement can cause a disc injury.”
It is important to note that the lack of proper living conditions, a lack of awareness, and the general disinterest in daily exercise have contributed to a higher number of cases of such diseases, especially among women.
Doctors suggest that women must exercise and strengthen their back and core muscles to prevent getting caught in the disease.
