Medicosnext
Ms Anisha Ghimire
She serves as the Marketing and Communications Officer at Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (Neuro Hospital), Bansbari. A graduate in Healthcare Management, she brings a unique blend of healthcare knowledge and strategic communication, bridging the gap between complex medical science and public understanding through effective multimedia storytelling.
In her current role, Anisha collaborates closely with neurology and allied superspecialists to gain insights into advanced treatments, procedures, and clinical innovations. She transforms this specialized knowledge into clear, engaging, and accessible content that empowers patients and the wider community with reliable health information while helping demystify complex medical concepts.
Through thoughtful storytelling and patient-centered communication, she is committed to making healthcare more transparent, relatable, and accessible, while highlighting the compassionate, human side of hospital care.
“Yesterday I had surgery. Today I’m going home.”
When 51-year-old Padam Bahadur Thapa says these words, he smiles, not because he has forgotten the pain, but because something that had become almost an integral part of his life and dominated it, suddenly disappeared into the thin air.
For years, simple everyday activities became exhausting challenges. Sitting through a meal, standing for a few minutes, taking a walk, or even getting a good night’s sleep came with relentless back pain. Like many people, he hoped it would go away on its own. He tried painkillers. Physiotherapy. Even pain injections. Nothing worked.
“I kept hoping something would relieve the pain,” he recalls. “But it only became worse.”
When he finally sought specialist care, doctors identified the real culprit – a herniated (slipped) disc, where one of the spine’s cushioning discs presses against nearby nerves. The diagnosis brought another fear.
Surgery.
“I thought surgery meant a large cut, large belt around the waist and months of recovery. That’s what many people believe,” says Mr. Thapa.
Instead, he was introduced to a newer approach known as Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE), a minimally invasive spine surgery performed through two tiny holes.
“The doctors explained that the procedure involved small incisions, less blood loss, faster recovery, and quicker pain relief. That gave me confidence.”
The outcome exceeded his expectations.
“It felt like someone had removed a thorn from my back. Yesterday I had surgery. Today I’m going home.”
His experience reflects a major shift taking place in modern spine care, not only around the world, but increasingly here in Nepal.
When Back Pain Is More Than ‘Just Back Pain’
Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point. Most episodes improve within a few weeks with rest, exercise, or medication.
Persistent pain lasting more than six weeks, pain that spreads down the legs, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking may signal a problem inside the spine itself. One of the most common causes is a slipped disc.
Between each bone of the vertebral column (spine) sits a soft cushion called a disc. When the disc slips or bulges, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain that travels from the back into the hips or legs. Some people also experience tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Fortunately, most patients improve without surgery. However, when symptoms become severe or fail to respond to medicines and physiotherapy, surgical treatment may become the best option.
Back Pain: The Silent Epidemic
Back pain is no longer simply a problem of ageing. According to the World Health Organization, lower back pain affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of disability. Experts estimate that 619 million people were living with lower back pain in 2020, and this number could reach 843 million by 2050.
Even more concerning, younger adults are increasingly developing chronic back problems. Hours spent working at computers, long daily commutes, poor posture, lack of exercise, obesity, and even incorrect gym techniques are contributing to the growing burden. Modern lifestyles have changed the way we work, but they have also changed the way our backs suffer.
Could You Be at Risk?
You may be more likely to develop chronic back pain if you:
- Sit for long hours every day
- Frequently lift heavy loads
- Ride motorcycles or drive for prolonged periods
- Work in bent or awkward positions
- Smoke
- Are overweight
- Have poor posture
- Have suffered a spinal injury
Although less common, persistent back pain may also indicate conditions such as osteoporosis, scoliosis, spinal infections, or even spinal tumours, making timely medical evaluation important.
How Spine Surgery Has Evolved
For many people, the word “spine surgery” still sounds frightening. Decades ago, that fear was understandable. Traditional spine surgery required large incisions, cutting through muscles, significant blood loss, and lengthy recovery. But technology has transformed the field.
Today’s minimally invasive procedures use tiny cameras and specialized instruments that allow surgeons to reach the damaged area while disturbing much less healthy tissue. Among the latest advances is Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (UBE).
Instead of a large incision, surgeons work through two tiny portals – one carrying a high-definition camera and the other surgical instruments.
Because muscles and surrounding tissues are preserved as much as possible, many patients experience: - Smaller scars
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster return to daily life
Not everyone requires surgery, and not every patient is suitable for UBE. The appropriate treatment depends on careful medical evaluation and the underlying spinal condition.
Nepal’s Growing Role in Advanced Spine Care
While minimally invasive spine surgery has expanded worldwide, Nepal is increasingly contributing to this field. At Upendra Devkota Memorial National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDMNINAS), Neuro Hospital Bansbari, neurosurgeons have introduced advanced UBE spine surgery alongside modern technologies such as 3D surgical navigation, allowing greater precision during complex procedures.
Nepal was recognised as the Centre for UBE training for the International Society of UBE in 2025. Leading this initiative is Dr. Nikunja Yogi, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon and Head of the Department of Neurosurgery.
Through its internationally recognized UBE training programme, more than 60 surgeons from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Jordan have received specialised training, helping spread advanced spine surgery expertise across South, Southeast Asia and beyond.
In recognition of these efforts, Dr. Yogi was recently appointed Founding President of the International Society of Unilateral Biportal Endoscopy (ISUBE), South & Southeast Asia Chapter- an achievement that highlights Nepal’s growing contribution to global neurosurgical education.
YOUR BACK DESERVES ATTENTION
Back pain is easy to ignore.
Many people continue living in pain for months or even years, assuming it is simply part of ageing or hard work. However, it isn’t always the case.
Early diagnosis can often prevent long-term disability and improve quality of life. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, medications, image-guided injections, or modern minimally invasive surgery.
The important message is simple:
Don’t normalise persistent back pain.
If back pain continues for weeks, limits your daily activities, causes numbness or weakness, or spreads into your legs, seek medical evaluation. Because sometimes, as Padam Bahadur Thapa discovered, the right diagnosis coupled with the right treatment can help you get your life back.
KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS
Seek medical attention if your back pain:
- Lasts more than six weeks
- Spreads into one or both legs
- Causes numbness or tingling
- Makes walking difficult
- Is associated with muscle weakness
- Interferes with work or daily activities
- Is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control (seek emergency care immediately)
Take Care of Your Spine
Simple habits can help protect your back:
- Maintain good posture while sitting and standing.
- Take short movement breaks every 30–60 minutes.
- Strengthen your core muscles through regular exercise.
- Lift heavy objects correctly.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Avoid smoking.
- Seek medical advice early if pain persists.
Your spine supports you every day. Taking care of it today can help you stay active for years to come.
