Pooling advanced modern medical technology with tourism: Kumar International

For the first time in India, for managing back problems without surgery, an advanced modern medicine treatment centre has started functioning at Kochi. Kumar International Centre for Back & Neck pain was inaugurated recently by Dr Ron Cholfin (USA) with a vision to help many patients without surgery.

Dr Sasikumar, chief consultant and managing director explained the ideology, "Many non-surgical modalities are used in treating back and neck pain. Some of the common modalities are traction, laser, electrotherapy, heat and exercises. As the technology advances, transformations have happened to each one of them in different parts of the world". According to him, "North American Medial Corporation at Atlanta USA, developed a very sophisticated disc distraction table that helps to distract the vertebra at the desired level. The negative pressure created at the discal level relieves the pressure on the exiting nerve roots and makes the discs healthier. This technique, IDD therapy was patented by the famous neurosurgeon Norman Sheally. FDA has approved Class 4 laser therapy for treating back pain recently. In Florida, Avicenna Inc offers this treatment alone for back and neck pain and Sanexas Inc, Germany has modified the conventional electrical stimulator to treat deep-seated chronic back pain. Recently introduced Far-IR therapy will help to warm muscles without surface heating. Chinese accupressure massage chair and Swiss ball exercises are known to relax and strengthen back muscles. At this centre, all these treatments are combined under one roof with yoga to optimise recovery from nagging back pain".

A ten-day treatment package includes spending a day in backwaters of Kerala, a daytime visit and shopping in historical Kochi and another day's offshore dinner at sunset. The centre is conveniently located with air-conditioned rooms that are hygienic and insect free. "Offering expensive western treatment at an affordable cost at Kochi will be a boost to medical tourism sector in India", added Dr Sasikumar.