Back Pain Is No Longer Just an Ageing Concern: Nearly One in Four Spine Investigations at Mahajan Imaging & Labs Involves Adults Below 40
New Delhi : Back pain is often associated with ageing, but younger adults are also undergoing investigations for spine-related concerns. Data from Mahajan Imaging & Labs found that nearly one in four spine investigations conducted between September 2025 and September 2026 involved individuals below the age of 40. Monthly spine investigations also increased by approximately 24% in September 2026 compared with September 2025, rising from 2,156 to 2,677. These findings highlight the importance of paying attention to spinal health across age groups, rather than viewing back pain as a concern limited to older adults.
A total of 29,532 spine investigations were recorded during the 13-month period. Individuals aged 60 and above accounted for the largest share, with 11,558 investigations, or approximately 39% of the total. Those aged 40–60 accounted for another 11,049 investigations, representing around 37%, while 6,925 investigations, or nearly 23.5%, involved individuals below 40. Women accounted for 16,855 investigations, approximately 57% of the total, compared with 12,677 among men. These figures reflect investigation volumes rather than confirmed diagnoses and should not be interpreted as a measure of disease prevalence.
The findings come at a time when prolonged sitting, long commutes, limited physical activity and inadequate workstation ergonomics are common features of everyday life. These factors may contribute to back discomfort in some individuals, although spinal pain can have several causes and cannot be attributed to lifestyle alone. Persistent or recurring discomfort may be associated with muscular strain, disc-related problems or other conditions, making medical evaluation important when symptoms do not improve or begin to interfere with daily activities.
Commenting on the findings, Padma Shri Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairperson, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, and Mentor, FICCI Health, said, “Back pain should not be dismissed simply because a person is young, nor should it automatically be considered an inevitable part of ageing. Prolonged sitting, inadequate movement and poor physical conditioning can contribute to discomfort, but symptoms alone cannot establish the underlying cause. Pain that persists, recurs frequently or begins to interfere with everyday activities warrants medical assessment. An appropriate evaluation can help determine whether the problem is related to muscular strain, a disc-related condition or another cause, and whether further investigation is necessary. It is equally important to understand that not every episode of back pain requires imaging. The decision to recommend an X-ray or MRI should be guided by the patient’s symptoms, medical history and clinical examination.”
Maintaining spinal health involves consistent everyday habits. Taking regular movement breaks during prolonged periods of sitting, setting up a comfortable workstation, staying physically active and incorporating suitable strength-building exercises can help support back health. However, individuals experiencing persistent or recurring pain should consult a healthcare professional rather than relying solely on painkillers or assuming the discomfort will resolve on its own.
Some symptoms require more urgent attention. Back pain accompanied by progressive weakness, significant numbness or changes in bladder or bowel control warrants prompt medical assessment. Imaging may be recommended when clinical findings indicate a need to investigate the underlying cause, but it is not routinely necessary for every episode of back pain.
On World Spine Day, the findings reinforce the importance of recognising spinal health as a concern across the lifespan. While age can influence the risk of certain spinal conditions, timely medical advice, appropriate evaluation and healthy daily habits can help individuals make informed decisions about their spinal health.
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