Find out the main causes of back pain and how to prevent them

The discomfort can be caused by several factors and intensified by the habits acquired after the COVID-19 pandemic

Back pain is a problem that affects most of the population at some point in life, especially after the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus. According to a survey conducted by The Lancet Rheumatology, more than 600 million people worldwide suffer from back pain and it is estimated that, in 30 years, more than 840 million will be affected.

A study carried out by the Meu Doutor Novamed clinic network also reinforces these numbers and points out that between 2019 and 2022 there was a 61% increase in the number of patients with back pain. This indicates, in turn, that the new habits acquired by the population have worsened their quality of life, especially with the so-called home office.

Rodolfo Carneiro, neurosurgeon and medical director of Clínica Coluna e Neuro, then explains what can cause pain in the spine and how to avoid it. I wait!

Factors contributing to back pain

According to Rodolfo Carneiro, it is known that some situations are associated with low back pain, such as:

• Ergonomics at work;
• Sedentary lifestyle;
• overweight;
• To smoke;
• Degenerative disc disease.

“Fortunately, most of the causes of low back pain are self-limiting and caused by contractures or muscle imbalances and ligament strains,” explains the expert.

Influenced home office

OR home office it has been considered by several experts as a crucial factor for the condition to manifest itself. Rodolfo argues that the work format popularized by the COVID-19 pandemic causes poor posture, abandonment of the practice of daily physical activities and even the abuse of screens, such as those of cell phones and computers, in addition to stress and the mental overload.

“Screens placed below the line of sight place a strain on the back, which begins to develop discomfort and, in the future, causes pain. Over time, it reduces mobility and weakens the surrounding muscles. Thus, the load is over the discs that form the column,” explains the doctor.

According to the professional, back pain usually gets worse after doing common daily activities, such as sweeping the house, tidying the closet, or taking a short walk. These are some of the signs that should draw more attention to the problem.

symptoms of the condition

In addition to the signs mentioned above, the spine specialist explains that a patient with some spinal dysfunction may experience other symptoms, such as tingling and numbness in the lower or upper extremities. There is a tendency for pain to radiate to other members. Heachache associated with pain in the back of the neck extending to the shoulders, difficulty moving and discouragement from performing simple activities are other symptoms.

“Most back pain gets better within 2 to 4 weeks. In some cases, the pain can persist for a long time, even with the use of pain relievers or rest. In these cases, chronic low back pain is called long-lasting pain.” long. 3-6 months after the first day symptoms appeared. These patients should seek the help of a specialist to treat this condition,” says the neurosurgeon.

Ways to avoid back pain

According to Rodolfo Carneiro, basic daily attitudes can improve these kinds of problems. “A simple exercise practice can bring many health benefits, and it doesn’t need to be daily; three to five times a week, for 30 minutes, is already necessary to prevent back pain,” recommends the professional.

Furthermore, the neurosurgeon recommends getting up every 60 minutes to move around, especially at work, and paying more attention to ergonomics, for example starting to position the monitor at eyes, keep your back well supported in the chair and your hips at a 90° angle.

By Beatriz de Mello

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.