Back pain, brain fog, fatigue? AIIMS doctor says THIS could be the reason

You’ve blamed your chair, your mattress, and your posture—but what if that nagging back pain by evening is your body crying out for water? In a post that’s going viral for all the right reasons, AIIMS neurosurgeon Dr. Arun L Naik has revealed a connection most of us never saw coming: dehydration might be the real culprit behind your back woes.

According to Dr. Naik, your spine’s shock absorbers—called intervertebral discs—are composed of nearly 75% water. Dr Naik says to think of them as jelly doughnuts cushioning your vertebrae. When you’re even mildly dehydrated, these discs begin to lose moisture, shrink, and provide less cushioning. The result? Increased stress on your spine, muscle cramps, and a much higher risk of disc bulges, herniation, or chronic stiffness.

Dehydration and its effects on body

What’s more, dehydration doesn’t just impact your spine—it can affect your entire nervous system. That “brain fog” or afternoon fatigue you chalk up to screen time or stress? It could be your nervous system reacting to low hydration, Dr. Naik warns. Since the spinal cord is the main communication highway between your brain and body, even slight dehydration can tighten spinal muscles and lead to spasms, especially in the lower back.

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A post shared by Dr Arun L Naik MCh (@doclogues)

How to prevent this?

Dr. Naik offers simple but powerful hydration tips:

• Start your morning with a full glass of water
  
  
• Don’t wait to feel thirsty—sip water regularly throughout the day
  
  
• Aim for at least 3 litres of water daily (more if you exercise or sweat)
  
  
• Add electrolytes like sodium and magnesium, especially if you're active
  
  

The key takeaway? Not all back pain stems from structural damage or poor ergonomics. Sometimes, it’s your body giving you a gentle nudge—drink more water.

In Dr. Naik’s words, “Back pain isn’t always a spine issue—sometimes it’s just your body asking for hydration.” So the next time your lower back acts up, reach for a glass of water before popping a painkiller. Your spine just might thank you.