Health-Nigeria - Medical experts have blamed the growing incidence of Arthritis, an inflammation of one or more joints, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement, on ignorance among the populace. They also express worry that the condition is now an increasing health disorder in Nigeria. A Consultant Physiotherapist and former President of the Society of Physiotherapists, Mrs. Bridget Birabi, further regretted that most Nigerian patients seek treatment only when their condition has advanced.

Speaking during the one year anniversary of the Body Mechanics Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre in Abuja last week, she noted that Nigeria now has specialists trained to manage and treat the condition which can affect the spine, neck and back.

Corroborating her views, the Practice Manager of the Centre, Dr. Tom Ojetunde boasted that hospitals in Nigeria have capability to treat spine problems. "Key issues are that spine problems are not identified early. Patients are poorly investigated, poorly advised and poorly treated. This is often due to ignorance, poverty, poor facilities and lack of expertise. "Careful evaluation and assessment is necessary."

Also speaking, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at Cedacrest Hospitals said there was an urgent need to create awareness on the disorder.

Victoria Ojeme

Vanguard/22/02/2011