2 hours commute + 8 hours office, is your waist okay?
Mar 12, 2025
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In particular, driver and office workers spend most of the day sitting down and rarely stretching their backs, which puts them at greater risk of further weakening their back health. Sitting for a long time increases the risk of developing lumbar disc (lumbar intervertebral disc ejaculation), and many of the patients who have suffered back pain often sit in the same position or maintain the wrong position for a long time.
Cha Kyung-ho, director of Yonsei Star Hospital (neurosurgeon), warned that `the longer you sit down, the more pressure you put on your back, the more likely it is that the disk will be continuously damaged.' `It is a mild pain initially, but if left unattended, there is a risk of worsening nerve damage to the lower extremities caused by the disk.'
◇ Will I get a herniated disc if I sit for a long time?
Herniated disc is a disease in which the disc (intervertebral disc), which acts as a buffer between the vertebrae, is damaged or escapes and compresses the nerves. The pressure on the lumbar disc increases by up to 140% while sitting compared to standing, and the pressure is even greater if you have a bent posture or a habit of crossing your legs. In addition, improper posture increases the risk of disk damage as the performance inside the disk is tilted to one side and can lead to faster regression.
◇Early symptoms of the lumbar disc. I need to go to the hospital
In the early stages of the lumbar disc, it begins with simple back pain, but if the symptoms worsen, the nerves can be pressed and affect the legs. My back feels stiff and heavy, but in severe cases, I cannot bend my back properly and my back pain becomes severe when I cough or sneeze.
In the early stages of herniated disc, it is highly likely to improve with non-surgical treatment such as physical therapy, posture correction, and drug treatment. However, if symptoms persist or there is severe nerve compression, neuroinflammation can be reduced and acute pain can be relieved through nerve block surgery and steroid injections.
When spinal surgery is required, it is considered when pain is caused by severe nerve compression or when it is not improved by conservative treatment. Severe symptoms can include decreased leg sensation, impaired walking, and even bowel movements in severe cases, which means nerve damage caused by the disk, and if the damage worsens, it is likely to lead to permanent nerve damage, so appropriate treatment should be taken.
◇ Keep the right posture and exercise properly
In order to prevent lumbar disc, it is important to improve the lifestyle of sitting for a long time. The most effective way is to get up for 5 minutes every hour and walk lightly or stretch your back. It is also recommended to make it a habit to sit in the right position and avoid cross-legged positions. If you think your back strength is weak, it is helpful to do exercises to strengthen the muscles around your back, such as walking and planking.
Director Cha Kyung-ho said, `Even if you don't have symptoms right now, the risk of herniated disc increases if you continue to sit for more than 10 hours a day. You can protect your back health with only small lifestyle changes, so you should not overlook the signals sent by your back.'
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
