Whenever we think of Bengaluru, traffic is one of the first things that comes to mind. Sitting in traffic isn’t just annoying, it can actually harm your spine. Long hours on bumpy roads, constant braking, and dodging potholes put a lot of strain on your back. Over time, this can lead to muscle strains, lower back pain, and even disc problems.
Infact, not only riding a scooty or a bike, but sitting in a car for hours also puts pressure on your neck and shoulders which can harm your spine health.
So, what can you do to protect your spine? The Financial Express spoke to an expert who warns that regular exposure to heavy traffic without proper precautions may result in posture issues and chronic spine problems.
“Repeated jolts and long drives in traffic can cause serious strain on your spine,” says Dr. Ajay Hegde, Consultant – Neuro-Spine Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru. “These small injuries may seem minor at first, but they add up, leading to posture problems, spinal misalignment, and balance issues,” he further added.
Traffic stress isn’t just physical. Sitting in a car for hours also adds mental stress, which can make neck and back pain worse.
Desk jobs make it worse
It’s not just traffic. Many people in Bengaluru’s tech sector spend most of their day sitting at desks. Poor posture, screens at the wrong height, and long hours without movement put extra pressure on the neck, shoulders, and back.
“Static sitting is one of the biggest reasons we see back pain, neck strain, and even disc problems in young adults today,” Dr. Hegde explains. “Carpal tunnel and shoulder pain are also common because of the way people work at computers,” he further adds.
He also explains that recent reports show a 10–30 per cent rise in spine-related problems among office workers, students, and young adults in the city. Long sitting hours, stress, and traffic are major contributors.
Simple ways to protect your spine
Though traffic and sedentary lifestyle may take a toll on your spine health, there are certain changes that you can make which can help make a big difference. Workplaces can be set up better with ergonomic chairs and desks, and employees should take short breaks to move around and do simple stretches. Easy exercises like neck rolls, shoulder rolls, shoulder blade squeezes, and back stretches can help keep your spine healthy.
Dr. Hegde also recommends looking at your daily commute. “Better roads and smoother traffic can reduce jolts, but even using public transport can cut down stress and the strain on your back and neck,” he says.
Prevention is key
Even small daily changes make a big difference. Sitting correctly, taking short movement breaks, and stretching regularly can help protect your spine. “Traffic and desk jobs are hard to avoid in Bengaluru, but proactive steps can prevent serious back and neck problems,” Dr. Hegde adds.
So, Bengaluru may be fast-paced and tech-heavy, but now it’s time you pay attention to your spine before the damage turns irreversible.