Karachi's battered roads trigger backache among bikers

Health experts urge prevention over treatment as cases of slip-discs, sciatica on the rise

For millions of Karachiites, motorcycles remain the most affordable and efficient mode of transport, however, health experts say the city’s dilapidated infrastructure and battered roads, riddled with potholes and uneven patches, are causing serious spinal damage to bikers.

It was in 2023 when Tariq, a 37-year-old sports department employee at Sir Syed University, felt a sudden pain in his lower back. “The pain was unbearable, I couldn’t even ride my motorbike while returning home. A colleague had to drop me off,” Tariq recalls. An MRI later revealed nerve compression between his L4 and L5 vertebrae, which doctors warned could lead to chronic back problems if left untreated. “The doctor asked if I sat for long hours, but I told him I’m a sportsman,” Tariq says. “That’s when he said that the real reason was my daily motorcycle rides.”

Physiotherapist Dr Faizan explains, “if someone rides a bike from North Karachi to Korangi or Gulshan-e-Hadeed daily, this posture puts the rider under constant stress.” Furthermore, he notes, “Continuous jerks affect spinal alignment and muscle balance.” The doctor highlighted the city’s poor road conditions and neglected maintenance of bike's shock absorbers leads to the worsening situation.

Dr Majid, another physiotherapist, notes that many of the young patients who visit his clinic suffering with back pain or slip-discs, are regular motorbike commuters. “Frequent jolts mainly affect the lower lumbar region L4, L5, S1, and S2,” he mentioned. “The spine absorbs jerks which in the long run leads to stiffness and chronic pain.”

According to the Pakistan Orthopedic Association (POA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 40 per cent of adults in urban areas suffer from musculoskeletal pain. A 2022 study by Dow University also found that 60 per cent of Karachi’s motorcyclists suffer from lower back pain.

Meanwhile, at the Health Asia Expo 2025, a German product called 'Spine Fitter' was introduced in Pakistan. The device is silicone based, designed to help realign the spine and relieve tension with just 10 minutes of daily use. The 'Spine Fitter' works by using a unique shape with parallel balls to provide mechanical stimulus and deep pressure along both sides of the spine, helping massage and loosen tense muscles and fascia.

A distribution manager for the product, Amjad, says, “This is the first time such a product has been launched in Pakistan, and it’s particularly useful for people who sit or ride bikes for long hours.” However, Dr Majid cautions that the product is not suitable for everyone, stating, “It’s effective for young users, but those over 50 should be careful as lying down for exercise may be difficult for them.”

Noting physical exercise as potentially easing the pain, Tariq says it took him over a year and a half to recover with multiple physiotherapy and chiropractic sessions. “I tried painkillers, oils, and stretches, but eventually, started playing badminton, which helped strengthen my back,” he says.

Similarly, 40-year-old Zahid Ahmed said he gave up riding a bike for a month, after he developed back pain, and turned to football as a remedy. “At first, the pain worsened, but regular exercise totally removed pain-free.”

Dr Faizan, however, emphasised prevention over treatment. He noted "before medicine or surgery, fix the cause". Furthermore, he said, the real solution is to 'maintain your bike's seat and shock absorbers, and mind your posture.”