From our special correspondent in Goa

Panaji, Jun 2: Around 60 per cent of young India between 20 to 35 years of age are suffering from back (spinal) problem, reads the statistic by World Federation of Neurological Societies.
 
"Improper living habits coupled with lack of physical exercises is affecting young India's spine severely," stated Dr P S Ramani, Chairman, World Federation of Neurological Societies, (spinal committee).

The all India picture is gloomier. "India's 80 per cent population suffer backache at some point of their life or other," revealed Dr Ramani.

Dr Ramani, a world-renowned, Mumbai-based  neurological and spinal surgeon, said that 3.5 per cent of population below 15 years of age suffers from spinal problem. He mentioned about a case of newborn child who had to be operated with spinal problem.

"Many youths after 20 years of age start getting problems like backache, neck pain and joint pain," Dr Ramani said blaming it on the computer culture. "They sit in front of computer in air-conditioned room without any physical exercise," he added.
 
Dr Ramani, who is also a consultant to mumbai-based Lilavati hospital and research center and Shusrusha hosital, feel that India lacks good spinal surgeons.

But despite such lack, Dr Ramani spoke highly about India's global position in the spinal and neuro-surgical world. "India is looked upon with great expectation from across the globe," he said mentioning that he has treated patients from countries like Canada, California, New Jersy, England, Mauritius, Kenya and others.