Is Modern Work Culture Damaging Your Spine?

TDT | Manama

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Interestingly, most people reading this piece would be sitting down - some at home, others at work in front of a laptop or desktop screen. Many would have their backs slouched, with only a few maintaining proper posture.

Addressing the question, “Is sitting really the new smoking?”, Dr Faizan Abdullah Salam Ahmed Abdullah Mohsin, Orthopedic Surgeon, Al Hilal Medical Center, Sitra reflects on the silent spinal damage caused by long hours of sitting with improper posture, which can lead to early degenerative changes in the spine.

He adds that back pain among young people is becoming increasingly common due to excessive screen use, limited physical activity, and obesity, with even teenagers now presenting with posture-related issues.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, he says, “More than 50 percent of patients with low back pain report poor workplace posture, making the issue highly relevant, as many jobs involve prolonged sitting.”

“The most common conditions related to prolonged sitting that I see are neck strain, upper and lower back strain, and cervical and lumbar disc issues. “Long-term poor posture may lead to lumbar and cervical disc disorders with or without radiculopathy and/or myelopathy, abnormal pelvic tilt, and early onset of degenerative spondylotic changes in the spine,” he added, pointing to the wider impact of sedentary routines.

It’s Preventable

Addressing preventability, Dr. Faizan stresses that proper desk ergonomics are essential: the screen should be at eye level and hips positioned higher than the knees to avoid abnormal spinal stress.

“Ideally, one should seek medical help for postural advice well before the pain starts. Patients should be educated about correct posture while sitting and working, which is part of ergonomics. If detected early, posture-related damage is fully reversible,” he added.

He further recommended early education on ergonomics, especially for school students and young graduates, to help prevent long-term spinal problems.

So, is sitting really the new smoking? Yes, it is - only the latter is much more hyped and talked about.