Rain pain: Mumbaikars coughing up between Rs1,000 and Rs15,000 a month towards medical expenses due to bad roads, say doctors
Potholes not just make government coffers lighter, but also burn a deep hole in Mumbaikars' pockets – in the form of escalated medical expenses. Pockmarked roads pose serious health risks to lakhs of people who use them for their daily commute, say doctors.
Mohan Nerurkar was forced to take a month's break after he fractured his right hand in a road mishap. The 27-year-old software professional, who works in Chakala-Andheri, lost control of his bike on a crater-riddled road before ending up with a plaster cast.
People are coughing up between Rs1,000 and Rs15,000 a month towards medical expenses due to bad roads, say medical practitioners. The common complaints include back problems and slipped discs, they say.
Sohan Prabhu, 25, too is somewhat under house arrest for past one week due to acute pain and muscle spasm in his back. "I ride a bike to work everyday. The bumpy roads led to this condition. I have been advised to take rest to avoid complications like spondylosis," said the senior marketing executive, who has already spent Rs 6,000.
Costly tests apart, a lot of money goes in physiotherapy, said Prabhu, adding that many of his friends too have been complaining of backache.
Doctors say people using buses, taxis and autos are the worst hit. "Public transport drivers don't care about potholes. Getting a bad jerk while commuting can lead to mild pain or aggravate existing problems," said Dr Sachin Bhonsle, consultant orthopedic surgeon at Fortis hospital.
According to orthopedic surgeon Dr Dilip Nadkarni of Lilavati hospital, majority of his patients nowadays complain of discomforts attributed to bad roads. "If not treated on time, the stress on the lumbar and cervical spine continues. It can lead to spondylitis."
Dr Nadkarni advised people to avoid sleeping in a moving vehicle. "Many have the habit of sleeping in the car. In such cases, the protective muscles also go to sleep and constant deviation of the neck can lead to major problems which may need surgical intervention."
A senior doctor from KEM hospital said there has been a 100 per cent jump in the number of pothole-related accident cases. "I'm getting 20-30 people a day who have backache and spine problems triggered by jerks while travelling," said Dr Pradeep Bhosale, head of orthopedic department.
While citizens do not have many alternatives to save themselves from the daily commuting torture, doctors say they should exercise regularly to strengthen the back. People should also drink a lot of water and maintain proper sitting posture, they say.
Save back and neck
Wear a horseshoe pillow to protect the neck while travelling in a car
Avoid autos and back seat of buses if you have a history of back problems
Bikers must ride slowly so that potholes can be negotiated
Exercise and keep your posture straight
Women close to labour should use private vehicles or taxis if the road is too bumpy. Pregnant women, especially those in their third trimester, must avoid road journeys as jerks can cause complications
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