Office workers are prone to spinal disc herniation.

Office work, which typically involves sitting in one place for long periods and little physical activity for 8-10 hours, puts increased pressure on the spine and intervertebral discs, easily leading to herniated discs.

Illustration photo: ancotnham.

Dr. Vo Xuan Son explains that the spine acts as a pillar supporting the body. All parts of the human body are connected to the spine, either directly or indirectly. The spine is shaped almost like an S, with two arched sections at the neck and a constricted section at the chest. Thanks to this shape and the function of the intervertebral discs, the spine always helps to distribute the forces acting on the body, reducing the impact on the legs when standing upright.

The intervertebral disc is a structure located between two adjacent vertebrae. It is disc-shaped, with a thick, strong fibrous outer layer and a gelatinous, egg-white-like substance called the nucleus pulposus. Whenever force is applied to the disc, the fluid inside escapes rapidly, dissipating some of the force on the spine. When the force is removed, the fluid returns to the disc. If the fibrous outer layer ruptures, the nucleus pulposus escapes, forming a mass called a herniated disc.

The symptoms of lumbar disc herniation are divided into four types: Dull, radiating pain in the lumbar region without sciatica (the most common); sudden, severe lower back pain, lower back pain accompanied by sciatica along with numbness or weakness; and numbness or weakness without pain.

Lumbar disc herniation is very common. Many doctors in the US have found that nearly 70% of their adult population experiences this problem. While disc herniation is common in the elderly and those engaged in heavy labor, it is now becoming more prevalent among younger people. Office workers, in particular, who typically sit for long periods with little physical activity for 8-10 hours at work, experience increased pressure on the spine and intervertebral discs, significantly increasing their risk of disc herniation.

Not all cases of lumbar disc herniation develop into serious conditions. About half of cases are asymptomatic, while the other half usually experience back pain. Of those with lower back pain, only a small number require medical attention; the rest typically recover after a night's sleep, stretching, and some movement. Sciatica or other symptoms of nerve root compression are rare.

Some researchers suggest that the shape of the spinal canal determines who experiences pain and who doesn't in the same case of a herniated disc. Those with a round spinal canal are the luckiest, accounting for a higher percentage. Those with a leaf-shaped spinal canal, when experiencing a herniated disc, almost always develop the condition. Therefore, they are advised to seek early medical attention for timely treatment and to minimize the chance of the condition worsening.

According to VnExpress