SPONDYLITIS

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Shazneen Mistry

www.mediaeyenews.com

In the covid-19 pandemic era, people have to work from home as offices have been shut down as a safety precaution. During these difficult times, it was seen that the work could come home and people can work from there, but they cannot bring their workstation home as well.

With no proper workstation, people had to adjust on not very ideal workstations like sofa, couches and even bed. These sitting areas lead to bad posture further exacerbating the degenerative changes or wear and tear. One ends up slouching, rounding up their shoulders, and putting their head forward. Long hours of sitting also increases pressure on intervertebral discs, which eventually leads to undue strain on the tissues which may result in chronic back and neck pain including Spondylitis.

It is important to understand that there is a difference between Spondylosis and Spondylitis. Spondylosis or spinal osteoarthritis is not inflammatory and is caused by normal “wear and tear “or as part of the aging process, on the other hand, Spondylitis is an inflammatory condition caused by the immune system acting against the joints and other soft tissues. People often confuse these two words because they sound similar and also share similar symptoms.

Spondylosis is common and becomes increasingly prevalent with age. Wear and tear are normal and quite common. It usually goes unnoticed as the body’s soft tissue recovery or repair happens simultaneously. However, as the wear and tear outrun the soft tissue recovery process, symptoms start presenting. Previous injuries, bad posture may exacerbate or accelerate these degenerative changes.

The symptoms would include- pain and stiffness, muscle spasms and weakness. The symptoms vary according to the severity and location of the spondylitis. Insignificant measure, it can cause pressure on the surrounding neural structures and cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain that radiates down the arm or leg, and weakness of the muscles.

 

 

 

 

To avoid this ailment, here are some of the Preventions:

  • Prepare your workstation

A comfortable chair with adjustable height is preferable so that the computer screen would be in level with the eyes. The feet should be flat on the floor and not hanging and the chair should have a backrest, with a small towel roll or pillow to support the lower back.

  • Breaks and stretching

It is important to take a break once in a while, and one is not continuously working in the same position and straining the muscles. Stretching the arms and legs during the break are also important.

  • Improve posture

Consciously make an effort to improve your posture. Sit tall aligning your ears shoulder and hips in a line. Sit an inch taller frequently.

  • Move

The movement has many benefits; it relaxes tissues, lubricates joints, prevents stiffness improves circulation, reduces fatigue, and increases stamina.

  • Keep fit

Physical fitness can help you avoid and treat problems related to computer use and long hours of sitting. It improves strength endurance and flexibility.

Even after taking the precautions, one still has pain, numbness, or weakness, then they must consult with a doctor. In acute stages of the pain, rest is beneficial, following which one can start with posture correction exercises and stretching. The physiotherapist will gradually progress your exercises to strengthening.

To conclude, we must watch how we sit and do work. A good working structure is really important so that the body posture is not affected and one is not in any pain or illness.

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