Medical experts have warned that Nigeria may be losing billions of naira each year to unnecessary surgeries and reduced productivity caused by poorly managed spine disorders.
They called for a nationwide shift toward non-surgical treatments for back and neck pain and stressed that most cases of back pain can be effectively treated without surgery. They also noted that adopting non-operative approaches could save lives, cut healthcare costs, and reduce lost work hours.
Speaking at a workshop on the Conservative Management of Spine Disorders in Lagos, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cedarcrest Hospitals Limited, Dr Felix Ogedegbe, described the growing burden of spinal pain in Nigeria as "an epidemic." He noted that millions of Nigerians either receive no care or undergo unnecessary surgical interventions that could have been avoided. He advocated for wider adoption of conservative spine care, a practice already common in Europe that offers safer, more affordable solutions.
German orthopaedics expert, Dr Axel Rutz, highlighted that Nigeria's rising life expectancy could increase the prevalence of chronic lumbar pain if early preventive measures are neglected. He emphasised the economic toll of untreated spine disorders, including lost wages and declining productivity, and urged government investment in conservative care models.
CEO of Cedarcrest Hospital, Lagos, Dr Kunle Onakoya, noted that while surgery is sometimes necessary, many patients recover faster and at lower costs when managed through non-operative methods. He cautioned that persistent back pain should never be ignored, as it can sometimes indicate serious illnesses such as cancer.
Head of Orthopaedic Surgery at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Tayo Alabi, said more than two-thirds of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives, making it a leading cause of lost workdays in Nigeria. He urged orthopaedic surgeons to integrate proven non-surgical methods into their practice and called on the government to prioritise cost-effective spine care strategies to improve public health outcomes.
The workshop demonstrated a range of non-surgical treatments, including targeted spinal injections, physiotherapy, orthotic supports, and exercise-based regimens. More than 25 orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, family physicians, and other specialists from across the country participated.