India, March 8 -- Being young and hitting the gym usually makes people feel like they can handle anything, but for many, looking fit on the outside hides a painful reality. It is becoming common for active people to deal with back issues that usually affect much older adults. Dr Nikhil Jain, Consultant - Spine Surgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, shares with HT Lifestyle how poor posture and overtraining can damage spinal discs. (Also read: Cardiovascular surgeon with 25 years experience says even '30 minutes' of intense exercise a week can protect your brain )

Dr Jain explains, "Sitting hunched over a desk for hours, coupled with lifting heavy weights with tired muscles or poor form, can start to wear down the soft discs that cu...