Taking care of your spinal health ensures quality of life in the short and long term – Photo: Disclosure

The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that allow for various movements and also support the structure of our body. Because this is so important, it deserves special attention. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives, which can result in high healthcare costs or lost work days.

Correct posture can help maintain spinal health and minimize risks. To achieve this, you should regularly engage in physical activity and exercises that strengthen the muscles in this area. Neurosurgeon at the Santa Catarina de Blumenau Hospital, Dr. Thiago Carvalho, identified 6 ways to avoid problems in the future:

1. Maintain correct posture when sitting, standing, sleeping, or doing any activity.
2. Avoid carrying excess weight and use proper technique for lifting heavy objects, always keeping your spine straight and never bending.
3. Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight puts additional stress on the spine.
4. Practice stretching daily to maintain flexibility and also help strengthen your muscles.
5. Avoid smoking, cigarettes weaken muscles and increase the likelihood of back problems.
6. Eating a healthy diet will help prevent obesity, a condition that increases back pain and problems.

Symptoms can range from back pain, stiffness, weakness to tingling or numbness in the limbs. Dr. Thiago also says there may be pain that radiates down to the legs, known as “sciatica,” as well as pain in the neck, cervical region, that extends into the arms, known as “cervicobrachialgia.” Head pain may also indicate problems with the cervical spine. “Less common are problems with balance and coordination, as well as problems with urination (bladder) or bowel movements, and there may be problems with the spine,” explains the neurosurgeon.

44-year-old nutritionist Alina Espindola had a herniated disc: one between the vertebrae L4 and L5, and the other between the vertebrae L5 and S1. She says she began to feel pain in her lower back, which worsened when she made more extreme movements or stood for long periods of time. “And my posture was already slightly curved to the side,” explains Alina.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives, which can lead to high healthcare costs or lost work days – Photo: Disclosure

For ten years, the nutritionist searched for alternative treatments such as Pilates, physiotherapy and swimming. She was cured by surgery. “After surgery, I continued doing Pilates and paid a lot of attention to my posture to pick things up off the floor and bend over properly. And it’s especially correct to get out of bed, that is, on your side.

It took me about 3 years to return to normal physical activity. And to this day I lead a normal life, even without pain,” says Alina.

According to neurosurgeon Thiago, “intense and persistent pain in the spine, progressive weakness in the arms or legs, traumatic injuries affecting the area, being stuck in bed, difficulty performing any movement or exercise” are reasons to seek medical help.

As with nutritionist Alina, spinal surgery is recommended in cases of herniated disc with severe nerve compression, scoliosis, spinal tumors, severe degenerative changes, or when pain persists after other treatments.

After a medical consultation, imaging studies can be used to determine an individual course of treatment for each patient. “There are less invasive procedures, such as spinal anesthetic blocks, that are very effective when indicated. There are complementary treatments such as physical therapy and Pilates that are great allies in pain management. Acupuncture and chiropractic care may also be helpful in relieving pain and improving function, but should be used as an adjunct to traditional medical treatment. It is important to consult your doctor before seeking alternative treatments,” explains Dr. Thiago.

Taking care of your spinal health ensures quality of life in the short and long term. Get used to a healthy lifestyle; If pain occurs, seek medical attention to evaluate and treat existing problems. Also discover the innovative structure of the Santa Catarina de Blumenau Hospital and follow the news on social networks: Facebook | Instagram