October 16th every year is World Spinal Day. The spine protects our spinal cord and is an important pillar of human health, including the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. In recent years, the incidence rate of cervical spondylosis has shown an upward trend. What causes cervical spondylosis? How to prevent it? Listen to the expert's explanation.
Zhou Feifei, chief orthopedic physician of Peking University Third Hospital: The incidence rate of cervical spondylosis in our country is about 15%. In addition to the fact that cervical spondylosis in the elderly is indeed a rising trend, youth is another very obvious feature of cervical spondylosis.
Experts say that with the increasing average time spent using smartphones, the incidence of cervical spondylosis in China has been on the rise. Once the cervical intervertebral disc is under high pressure for a long time, it will accelerate aging, and even cause disc herniation and bone spurs, compressing the spinal cord and nerves.
Zhou Feifei, Chief Physician of the Orthopedics Department at Peking University Third Hospital: Occupation is directly related to the incidence of cervical spondylosis. For example, teachers and IT workers who work at desks for a long time are very disadvantageous to the cervical spine. For example, some people sleep with excessively high pillows, while others do not rest on pillows and lean on the back of sofas and chairs to brush their phones. These unhealthy lifestyle postures are also an important reason for the high incidence of cervical spondylosis.
Experts suggest that in order to reduce the pressure on the cervical spine, it is recommended to slightly retract the chin when looking at a phone, place the phone screen at eye level, and avoid prolonged use of the phone. When using a computer, adjust the tables and chairs to the appropriate height and maintain the correct sitting posture.
Li Weishi, Chief Physician of the Orthopedics Department at Peking University Third Hospital: It is necessary to strengthen the exercise of the back muscles. For example, swimming is a very good exercise, and everyone is also very familiar with "Little Yanfei". The patient lies on the bed and then tilts both ends (limbs), which will have a good exercise effect on the muscles of the cervical spine, waist, and back. Generally, "Little Swallow Flying" should be lifted for 10 seconds, then lowered and repeated for a total of 20 times.
In addition, doctors told reporters that there is a common type of spinal disease in clinical practice, mainly degenerative diseases, including lumbar disc herniation.
Mr. Li, who lives in Beijing, is 47 years old this year. He told reporters that he has been suffering from lower back pain for over three months, accompanied by numbness in his left leg and difficulty walking. After examination by the doctor, it was diagnosed as lumbar disc herniation.
Mr. Li, a Beijing resident: Over a year ago, I moved a heavy object once and my waist seemed to be stretched out. In recent months, I have been experiencing some severe back pain.
Li Weishi, Chief Physician of the Orthopedics Department at Peking University Third Hospital: From the film, it appears that he has obvious disc herniation and spinal stenosis of the third and fourth (lumbar vertebrae), and nerve compression is also quite obvious. Moreover, his job is as a driver, and prolonged sitting, combined with some repeated injuries, can easily lead to disc herniation of the (lumbar vertebrae).
Experts say that lumbar disc herniation is a typical spinal disease, and the common causes are lumbar aging and chronic injury. Therefore, the focus of prevention is to reduce cumulative injury. Especially for white-collar workers, drivers, and other people who need to sit for a long time, it is best to maintain a good sitting posture in daily life, and also pay attention not to sleep on too soft beds.
Li Weishi, Chief Physician of the Orthopedics Department at Peking University Third Hospital: For example, for lumbar disc herniation, 80% of conservative treatment is effective, including bed rest, muscle exercise, and some medication treatments, such as neuronutrition, anti-inflammatory and pain relief, blood circulation and stasis removal, etc., including comprehensive methods such as traction and massage, many patients can have their symptoms well controlled.
