During the pandemic, the increased time spent at home due to the coronavirus also led to increased inactivity. As work and education shifted to home environments, numerous musculoskeletal issues emerged. Research indicates that 40% of remote workers experience more lower back pain compared to those working in the field, and problems such as cervical straightening, lumbar, and cervical hernias have become more prevalent.
Adopting a sedentary lifestyle, the widespread use of technological devices like phones and computers, and the reduced need for physical activity contributed to the rise in lumbar and cervical herniation cases during the pandemic.
Increase in Hernia Cases
The inability to engage in regular exercise, weight gain, and reduced movement led to dysfunction and weakening of the muscles and connective tissues surrounding the spine. As a result, increased strain on the spinal structure caused degeneration (deterioration), spondylosis (spinal arthritis), and herniation, commonly known as lumbar and cervical hernia, leading to a rise in cases.
A Common Condition
Even among individuals aged 30 to 50 with no complaints of pain, an MRI scan of the lumbar and cervical regions would often reveal herniation. The critical factor here is whether the hernia has grown to the point of compressing the spinal cord or a nerve root. If the radiological diagnosis observed on an MRI correlates with clinical symptoms, the condition is classified as a lumbar or cervical disorder.
The Key to Spinal Protection: Exercise
Individual exercise routines should be implemented, and regular physical activities such as walking and swimming should be performed under safe conditions. The time spent using devices like computers, phones, and televisions should be reduced. If prolonged use is unavoidable, breaks should be taken every 30-45 minutes, during which lumbar and cervical protective exercises should be performed. Weight gain should be avoided, and body mass index (BMI) should be maintained below 30 whenever possible. Proper nutrition is essential to protect the spine, joints, and bone tissue, and harmful habits that negatively impact the body should be reduced or eliminated.
For spinal health, it is crucial to protect the fundamental structures: bones, joints, cartilage, and muscles. For bone health, vitamin D and calcium intake are necessary. Natural sources of calcium include spinach, kale, figs, chia seeds, soy milk, dried figs, kidney beans, sunflower seeds, broccoli, soybeans, okra, oranges, and arugula. For joint and muscle health, regular exercise is necessary, with walking being one of the simplest and most effective options. For cartilage protection, one should avoid lifting heavy weights that strain the body, drink plenty of water, and avoid remaining in the same position for extended periods.
Accurate Diagnosis Is Crucial for Your Health
Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up processes should not be neglected. Necessary precautions must be taken, and if a neurosurgery specialist determines that surgery is required, treatment should not be delayed. In recent times, we have encountered patients presenting with severe paralysis due to delays in treatment. The patient cannot independently assess the severity and urgency of their condition. Once an accurate diagnosis is made, the success rate of treatment significantly increases. Various treatment methods can be applied depending on the patient’s condition, and the most suitable option should be selected.
Preventing the problem before it arises is much easier than treating it.
Op. Dr. Ali Kemal Ulaş
Neurosurgery Specialist
