A Journey from Suffering to Recovery
Living with Pain in the Heart of the Himalayas
Brahmachari Sharmila spent her life in meditation in the serene foothills of Uttarkashi, amidst the stunning beauty of the Himalayas. But for 22 long years, a silent shadow loomed over her—an unyielding pain in her back that made even the simplest movements into struggles. To meditate while sitting, to take short walks, to do the smallest of things was like ascending a mountain.
Though she consulted several doctors and attempted every treatment, be it medications, physiotherapy, and rigorous daily exercises, but relief was never permanent. Physiotherapy sessions provided temporary relief, but they could not correct the root cause. She had accepted living with pain without knowing that a serendipitous meeting would alter her life forever.
A Turning Point at Vivekananda Charitable Hospital
Hope arrived when she made a visit to the Vivekananda Charitable Hospital in Uttarkashi where an orthopedic expert advised an MRI. The diagnosis revealed severe spinal injuries—possibly due to an unperceived fall a few years ago. It was a moment ofrealisation , her ache had a name now, and there is a chance for cure.
A Leap of Faith: The Dehradun Expedition
One day, in the course of a physiotherapy session, she was introduced to Dr. Tara and Dr. Devanand Chaudhary, who happened to be visiting doctors from Dehradun. They observed her ordeal and asked her to go to the three-day medical camp there which would take place shortly.
Solo traveling for treatment wasn’t a smooth call, but some internal voice told her to try it. She went there in June—a spontaneous act of faith. Little did she know what awaited her.
Confronting the Unforeseen: A Life-Changing Surgery
She met Dr. Tejaswi Aggarwal at the camp, who assessed her case in depth. His verdict? Surgery was her only option. The news stunned her—she had never even entered an operation theatre in her life. But as Dr. Aggarwal took the time to explain it all patiently and clearly, she gathered the strength to put her faith in him.
In a very emotional moment prior to the surgery, the physicians permitted her to pray. When she closed her eyes, she felt an unusual sense of calmness surround her—almost as if she belonged here, in this place, at this time.
Compassion in Every Step
Being by herself in a foreign city for life-changing surgery should have been really overwhelming for her. But she never once felt alone. The doctors of The Spine Foundation—Dr. Bhojraj and Dr. Tejaswi at the helm—treated her like family.
Nobody asked for money. Nobody sent her away. They reassured her, comforted her, and gave her the strength to proceed with the surgery. To her, they weren’t doctors—they were angels.
A New Beginning: Life After Surgery
The surgery saw the beginning of a new era. The pain that had tortured her for more than two decades had already decreased considerably. But the true test was the following day.
Dr. Tejaswi stood at her bedside and inquired, “Would you like to try walking?”
There was a combination of excitement and fright on her face. “If you permit me, then yes,” she answered.
Slowly, she stepped one foot ahead, then the other. And just like that, she was walking again! The fears, the cautions that doubters had created in her mind, the terror of surgery—everything dissipated in that single moment of triumph.
In three months, she was not only walking but she started travelling in auto-rickshaws and even buses! Though she still adheres to precautions—such as not sitting for long periods or lifting heavy weights—these are minor changes for a few months in return for a life without pain.
Spreading Hope: Sharmila's Mission
Now, Sharmila doesn’t only live without pain—she proactively inspires others with back problems to get treatment. She insists that everyone should not be afraid of doctors and trust The Spine Foundation.
“You don’t have to worry about money. Even if surgery isn’t necessary, they will still advise you. No one is treated like a stranger here.”
Her story is evidence that proper medical assistance can totally change lives.
Bringing Health to the Forgotten: The Potential of Medical Camps
Sharmila’s case brings into focus a much broader problem—millions of individuals in rural regions are afflicted by untreated spinal issues merely due to the fact that specialized medical services are not within reach.
That is where rural medical camps become a world of difference. Such camps bridge the gap, taking quality spine care to individuals who would otherwise lack access to it.
The Spine Foundation: One Surgery at a Time, One Life at a Time
Established in 1998 by Dr. Shekhar Bhojraj, The Spine Foundation has worked to provide good quality spine care to all people—particularly to those in rural and tribal areas where hospitals are far away.
What The Spine Foundation Does:
- Free Spine Surgeries & Medical Check-ups for those who are not able to pay for the treatment.
- Rural Spine Care Centres (RSCCs): Healthcare centers in distant villages, operated by trained Voluntary Health Workers (VHWs) from local areas.
- Spine health awareness programs, posture correction training, and preventive care programs at the community level.
- Empowering and training Local Healthcare Workers so rural regions gain constant access to spinal therapy.
- Research & Development in spinal care to enhance treatment outcomes in India.
With these initiatives, The Spine Foundation is making spinal healthcare fundamental right for all.
A Story of Courage & Care: Final Thoughts
Sharmila’s shift from struggling with pain for 22 years to an advocate of spinal healthcare is nothing less than remarkable. Her story is proof of what is possible when being skillful is combined with kindness.
Stories such as hers serve to remind us that healthcare is not only about treatment—but about hope, dignity, and the promise that everyone should be able to live without pain.
If you or someone close to you are struggling with back pain, don’t delay. Reach out for help, have trust in the professionals, and make that initial step towards recovery.
Help Us Spread the Word!
- Share this story with those who needs to hear it.
- Support organizations such as The Spine Foundation.
- Remember: A small step towards awareness can change a life!
Conclusion
The challenge of tackling spinal health in rural India demands a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, early detection, treatment, and community outreach. The Spine Foundation’s work has been revolutionary in enhancing spinal health for numerous underprivileged people. Through ongoing emphasis on education, affordable care, and awareness, we can create a future where spinal disorders no longer hinder the true potential of rural communities.