Spinal pain

Spinal pain is a problem that increasingly affects both the old and the young. The main culprit is considered to be a sedentary lifestyle and the improper posture in which we spend more than 8 hours a day.
The latest research shows that more than 85% of the population experiences pain in the spine or lower back at least once in their lifetime. The spine is designed for movement, not for a static position, such as driving a car or sitting. With overcrowded schedules, hardly anyone has time to exercise, and over the years the back muscles weaken, and the consequences are certainly painful.
Spinal pain is a sign by which the body lets us know that something is not right.

Below we present 5 possible causes of spinal pain:

1. Improper sitting
Constant sitting at a desk for most of the day in improper chairs and in the car causes pain in the lower back because poor posture increases pressure on the bones, ligaments, and discs.
Proper sitting is very important: the forearms and thighs should be parallel to the floor, the feet should be flat on the floor, while the back should be supported at all times.

2. Stress
Stress negatively affects many disorders and changes in the body, including spinal pain. Daily exposure to stressful situations in the long term causes tight muscles and knots in the upper back, which can certainly be uncomfortable and painful.
Exercise, deep breathing, meditation, intensive stretching, yoga, and massages will be of great help.

3. Muscle imbalance
It very often happens that weak abdominal muscles lead to back pain. In our body everything is connected, and if all muscle groups are not in balance, the back muscles take on more load than they can bear so that the position of the spine remains proper.
Regular exercise and strengthening all the muscles in the body is the only solution. If you cannot recognize on your own which imbalance is causing the pain, seek the help of a physiotherapist.

4. Childbirth
Many pregnant women and new mothers suffer from lower spine pain. The spine undergoes great stress during pregnancy, so pain and discomfort are no surprise.
Also, holding the baby and a hunched position during breastfeeding lead to muscle imbalance and cause pain. Try to always think about an upright and proper posture to ease the pain.

5. Disc damage
There is a disc between every two vertebrae, whose basic role is shock absorption and easing the load on the spine. Over the years, discs become dehydrated, wear out, and rupture more easily during sudden movements.
If unbearable pain occurs, it is necessary to carry out appropriate diagnostics, which will be proposed after a comprehensive examination by a physiatrist or neurosurgeon.

A few tips to follow so that your spine stays healthy as long as possible:

• Proper body posture
Proper body posture is an upright and comfortable position in which the head, torso, and legs are positioned one above the other in a relaxed and straight line. When walking, sitting, and lying down, we must keep the spine properly aligned. When performing daily activities, it is very important to distribute the load we carry evenly in both hands and to lift it with a straight spine.

• Stretching
Daily stretching, for at least a few minutes, is extremely important for the health of our spine and neck. A few minutes a day is enough for short exercises, especially during working hours, which we mostly spend in a sitting position.

• Adjusting the workspace
We spend 8 or more hours a day in the workspace, so it is very important to adapt it according to ergonomic rules. The chair we sit on should be firm and stable and provide support in the lower back area, while the desk should be stable and of an appropriate size. Every 45 minutes you should take a break, go for a walk, and do stretching exercises. Staying in one position for too long can lead to strained back muscles and short-term immobility.

• Healthy diet
A healthy diet is of great importance for the health of bones and muscles. The food we consume should be varied, rich in fruits and vegetables that abound in vitamins needed by our body. Increased body weight puts stress on the spine and joints, so attention should be paid to the amount of food intake. Also, the intake of vitamin D and calcium, which is important for bone strength, is very important.

• Physical activity
Exercise should be regular and adapted to physical abilities. For a healthy spine, the best activities are swimming, cycling, walking, and hiking. Strengthening muscles is extremely important for health, so make an effort to set aside time for exercise at least twice a week, so that your spine remains healthy as long as possible.

If you notice any of these symptoms, visit us so that we can properly diagnose your injury and begin treatment. Keep in mind that an old injury, which was not properly and promptly treated, causes difficulties and pain. Therefore, it is important to treat every injury properly and in a timely manner. When you are in the good hands of specialists, most diagnoses are successfully treated, the pain weakens and disappears, and the return to everyday life is faster and more efficient.

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