Krishnagiri
Tamil Nadu
Breaking the Cycle of Pain: Spine Care for the Backbone of Krishnagiri
Set against the backdrop of granite hills and mango orchards, Krishnagiri in northern Tamil Nadu is a district shaped by resilience and quiet strength. Known as the “Mango Capital of India,” this region is celebrated for its agricultural richness, stone quarrying, and hardworking communities. But behind the scenic landscapes and economic activity lies a lesser-known story—one of chronic pain, untreated spinal conditions, and limited access to specialized care.
In the villages that dot this hilly terrain, most families rely on manual labor for their livelihood. From agricultural workers harvesting mangoes and millets, to daily-wage laborers toiling in granite quarries and construction sites, life in Krishnagiri demands physical endurance. However, the toll on the spine is immense—with repetitive strain, poor posture, and lack of ergonomic tools leading to a rising prevalence of spinal ailments like sciatica, disc prolapse, scoliosis, and chronic back pain.
Despite the growing need, Krishnagiri’s rural and tribal populations have minimal access to specialized spine care. Local health centers are often under-equipped to handle complex spinal cases, and for many residents, traveling to Chennai or Bengaluru for treatment is economically and logistically impossible.
In these communities, spinal disorders are often dismissed as normal aging or “work pain”—until they become debilitating. Untreated conditions rob individuals of mobility, productivity, and dignity—impacting entire families and generations.
In response to this silent crisis, The Spine Foundation (TSF), in collaboration with Sri Vijay Vidyalaya Hospital and Research Centre, launched a transformative spinal care initiative in Krishnagiri. The goal: to bring free, expert spine diagnosis and surgeries to those who would otherwise never receive it.
In December 2023, TSF organized a dedicated medical camp, where over 150 patients were screened and 28 life-changing spine surgeries were performed free of charge. These included corrective scoliosis surgeries, nerve decompressions, and spinal fusions for severe conditions that had been ignored or mistreated for years.
For many, this was the first time they had seen a spine specialist. For some, it was the first time in years they could walk without pain.
Beyond surgeries, the camp focused on training local healthcare providers, equipping them with tools to diagnose and manage spine conditions effectively. TSF’s team also held awareness sessions in Tamil, addressing spinal hygiene, lifting techniques, and the importance of early intervention.
These camps also serve as learning platforms for local doctors, ensuring that the impact continues long after the surgeries are complete. Through training, follow-ups, and patient education, TSF strengthens the region’s capacity to address spine-related health in the long term.
This impactful program was made possible through the generous support of donors, the Krishnagiri District Health Department, and TSF’s dedicated volunteers and surgeons. The logistics—ranging from surgical instruments to post-operative medication—were made possible through philanthropic support.
Krishnagiri is a land of effort, endurance, and deeply rooted traditions. Its people carry the weight of their work with pride—but not without pain. The Spine Foundation is honored to share in their journey by delivering expert care where it’s needed most.
Every patient treated, every spine healed, and every smile restored brings us closer to an India where no one is left behind because of where they live.
Join Us in Making a Difference
If you believe in equitable healthcare and want to uplift communities like Krishnagiri: Partner with us. Donate generously. Share our story.
Together, we can ensure that no spine is left unsupported, no pain goes unheard, and no community is left behind.
