Health experts have raised concern over the increasing number of people suffering from back pain in Ntungamo District, blaming the trend on prolonged manual labour, poor posture, repetitive bending, heavy lifting and inadequate rest.
Orthopaedic specialists say back pain has become one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the district, particularly among people engaged in farming and other physically demanding occupations.
They have warned that persistent pain should not be ignored, as untreated cases can lead to serious complications.
Speaking during the second day of a medical camp at Muntuyera High School Kitunga, Premus Nuwandida from the Orthopaedic Department at Kisizi Hospital said many patients seek treatment after years of strenuous work without adequate rest.
"Back pain has become one of the most commonly diagnosed orthopaedic conditions. Those involved in farming do a lot of digging and carrying heavy loads, and many eventually complain of persistent back pain," Nuwandida said.
He warned that untreated back pain can result in severe health complications.
"It can lead to other comorbidities, sciatica, paralysis and other complications if it is not treated early," he said.
Faustine Natumanya, a secretary at Muntuyera High School, said she has struggled with severe lower back pain after spending years sitting for long periods at work.
"I have had severe back pain with difficulty standing up. Sometimes I experience intense pain in both my back and knees. Doctors told me it was caused by sitting in poor posture for long periods, and they advised me to improve my sitting posture and exercise regularly," Natumanya said.
The concerns were raised during a medical camp organised by the Muntuyera High School Old Boys Association, which attracted more than 80 health professionals and specialists who attended to over 2,500 residents from Kajara County and surrounding communities in Ntungamo District.
The outreach offered a range of services, including general medical check-ups, HIV testing and counselling, cervical cancer screening, peptic ulcer screening, dental and eye care, deworming, family planning, nutrition assessment, safe male circumcision and minor surgical procedures.
Health workers also reported a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and diabetes, among residents seeking treatment.
Collin Matsiko, a clinician and chairperson of the medical camp, said the outreach had identified many patients requiring screening and treatment for chronic illnesses.
"We have documented an increased number of hypertension and diabetic patients in this community. We look forward to holding these camps every year so that we can continue providing quality healthcare because increasing community screening is one of the best ways to combat non-communicable diseases," Matsiko said.
He said regular community health outreaches remain critical in promoting early diagnosis and treatment, especially for conditions that often go undetected until they become severe.
