Three of the top ten causes of sickness absence are related to the spine, including herniated discs and low back pain.
A recent survey by the Ministry of Social Security revealed that, in 2023, more than 2.5 million Brazilians would be fired from work for health reasons, of which lumbar disc herniation would be the main cause, followed by low back pain. Other herniated discs, in the cervical and thoracic spine, appear in fifth place in the ranking.
According to Dr. Antônio Krieger, an orthopedic doctor specializing in spine surgery, this trend is alarming and highlights how important it is for the population to be aware of the symptoms and practices to prevent these injuries.
“Although genetic factors play a significant role, the conditions are also strongly linked to poor working practices, poor ergonomics and exposure to excessive loads. Regular exercise, strengthening core muscles, a balanced diet and abstaining from smoking they are effective strategies to prevent the problem,” Krieger says.
According to data from the Ministry of Social Security, lumbar disc herniation caused the highest number of temporary disability benefits (formerly sick pay) granted in Brazil last year with 51,453 absences. This is followed in second place by low back pain (low back pain) with 46,964 cases and disc degeneration in 5th place, with over 37 thousand workers registered.
Symptoms
Herniated disc is a condition affecting the intervertebral disc of the spine, often caused by premature wear and tear of this structure. Contrary to popular belief, herniated disc is a condition that does not exclusively affect older people.
“Patients between the ages of 20 and 40 can also be affected, often at the height of their productive activities. In crises, the symptoms significantly limit daily and work activities. Symptoms include sciatica, loss of muscle strength and tingling in the lower limbs which can be debilitating and even cause disability and neurological deficits,” explains Krieger.
Treatment
According to the specialist, although approximately 9 out of 10 cases improve with clinical treatment, exercise and physiotherapy, in situations of persistent symptoms surgery is indicated. He points out that “the surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive way, using endoscopic techniques, ensuring a quicker recovery for the patient.”
In general, minimally invasive spinal surgeries to treat herniated discs allow the patient to be discharged from the hospital on the same day.
Feeling pain is not normal
In addition to disc herniation, which can occur along the entire length of the spine and which is characterized by an anatomical modification of the intervertebral discs, low back pain represents the second cause of absence from work and, although it affects the same region of the spine, Its causes and diagnosis are different from a herniated disc.
“Low back pain is strongly influenced by our standard of living, and has experienced a notable increase post-Covid pandemic. This increase can be attributed to the increase in time spent sitting, the lack of ergonomics associated with working from home, the lifestyle sedentary and inappropriate postures when using smartphones and notebooks”, explains the specialist.
In preventing these problems, the orthopedist also emphasizes the importance of avoiding high levels of stress, promoting a healthy routine that includes physical activities, mental relaxation practices and appropriate postures both in the work environment and in domestic activities.
“It is essential that people understand that experiencing pain is not a normal condition. It is an alarm from our body that something is wrong. If the pain persists, it is important to consult a specialist. An early diagnosis always provides better results, both in clinical and surgical treatment.”
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
