Sitting and working for long hours until neck and back pain? Beware! Herniated Disc Disease
Have you ever noticed how many hours a day you sit working in front of a computer screen continuously? And during each hour, have you ever stood up or changed your sitting posture? If the answer is no, be cautious as you might be at risk of “Herniated Disc Compressing the Nerve”
What are the symptoms of nerve compression from the spine?
To make it easy to understand, we will explain the symptoms according to the affected area, starting with…
Nerve compression in the lower back
In this case, it is caused by a herniated or ruptured disc, causing the fluid inside to press against the nerves in the lower back area, affecting the lumbar nerve system down to the legs. Patients will experience intermittent lower back pain around the waist, which worsens when standing, bending, or sitting for long periods. There may also be numbness in the legs or feet. If the symptoms are severe, there is a risk of paralysis in both legs.
Nerve compression in the neck
This case occurs when a herniated disc protrudes and compresses the nerves in the neck area, causing neck pain and limited neck movement. Sometimes, there may be radiating pain in one or both arms. Some patients may experience numbness in the fingertips extending to the palms.
What causes “nerve compression from the spine”?
No matter what, after prolonged use, wear and tear is inevitable. Our “intervertebral discs” are no different. The heavier the use, the faster the degeneration. Another factor is careless eating habits, allowing weight gain that the discs cannot support. Even “daily behaviors” such as sitting in front of a computer for long hours, driving continuously for several hours, frequently bending, lifting heavy objects, or accidents like falls can all contribute to spinal nerve compression symptoms.
Nerve compression from the spine… once diagnosed, treatment should be prompt!
For patients with mild pain, treatment may involve anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants. However, if symptoms worsen, “surgery” may be the most effective treatment option. This includes microsurgical spinal surgery (Microdiscectomy) and endoscopic spinal surgery (Endodiscectomy).
Can get it… can recover! Try doing the following…
- Sleeping… patients should change their sleeping position to lying on their side, choose a firm mattress, and use a lower pillow than usual.
- Sitting… patients should avoid sitting still and not sit for too long. When getting up, use the method of lying face down and slowly crawling off the bed, then sit upright with back support and a pillow behind the back.
- Lifting objects… patients should not bend or lean forward to lift objects but should squat instead. Avoid twisting or turning the body as it may increase the risk of disc displacement.
Don’t want pain… don’t want (back) pain, prevent it early
Although nerve compression from the spine can be completely treated, it is better if we do not have to endure back pain that affects daily life. Therefore, avoiding behaviors such as sitting or standing for long periods without changing posture, not lifting heavy objects beyond capacity, maintaining a proper weight, combined with exercises focusing on strengthening back and abdominal muscles, as well as quitting smoking, are all effective ways to prevent spinal nerve compression.
Dr. Teerachai Phanitpong
Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon
Brain and Spine Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
