42 Innovative healthcare & specialist clinics


Spinal surgery, the NHS, the pandemic and beyond


13 FEBRUARY 2021 • THE GOOD LIFE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE SATURDAY DAILY MAIL


Mr Dimpu Bhagawati discusses how best to prevent paralysis during the pandemic


Te past year has been a severe test for the whole country. Fifty-thousand souls no longer with us, countless lives marred by a virus whose simplicity was mirrored only by its lethality. Despite colleagues lost, we


pressed on to resume urgent planned surgery. During the first part of the lockdown, the moun- tain of patients waiting grew almost insurmountable. But as the restrictions started to ease we pressed forward, knowing that the second wave would come. In my NHS trust we reached nearly 100% of


normal capacity by


September and beyond this by October. We’ve had to make very difficult decisions about priority, knowing


that patients would deteriorate — some irreversibly.


A THANK YOU We in the NHS are very grateful to the hard work of the whole nation. Te sacrifices made during lockdown I and lockdown II have limited coronavirus to a crisis rather than a catastrophe. As we look forward to a new year, to a vaccine and return to new normality, we look forward to a new you.


NEW YEAR AND NEW YOU Anecdotally, there’s been a rise in spinal problems during the lock- down. More sedentary lifestyles,


time away from work and reduced activity have led to an increase in spinal problems.


NON-MEDICAL BEFORE MEDICAL Make time for activities such as walking and flexibility exer- cises such as yoga. Exercises like pelvic tilt, knee-to-chest and lower-trunk rotation can help to control symptoms has


part of a structured programme. No surgical before surgical When


self-directed regimes


fail, try to engage an appropriate physical therapist — physiother- apist, osteopath or chiropractor. Tese can all help you structure a tailored plan for you hectic lifestyles.


LESS-INVASIVE SURGERY Most surgical procedures aren’t designed for rapid recovery and early return to func- tion. Te vast majority of our procedures are carried out as day case interventions designed to allow you to return to your desired level of activity within a very short time. Even for more major surgeries, patients can mobilise immediately after the operation, often in little or no discomfort.


SEEK APPROPRIATE ADVICE Your GP will be very experienced in dealing with spinal problems. He or she will be best placed to direct you through self-help, non-operative therapies and through to surgery.


For further information on common spinal condition, please visit: bhagawatispineclinic.co.uk or dbspine.co.uk T: 0845 163 4450 E: info@dbspine.co.uk


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