Get to know “inflammatory cells”, the evil killer that destroys the spine

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Nowadays, many people have to deal with back pain. Whether it is from sitting at work for long periods. Lifting heavy objects or even from looking down at a mobile phone for long periods of time. This pain may seem normal. But in fact, it could be a warning sign of health problems caused by “inflammatory cells” that can destroy the spine and surrounding tissue. If left without proper care.

Get to know "inflammatory cells", the evil killer that destroys the spine

Dr. Chumpol Kokanan, a spine specialist at S Spine Hospital. Revealed that cellular inflammation is the process by which the body responds to injury, overuse, or infection. The immune system sends chemicals such as cytokines and prostaglandins to the injured area. Causing swelling, redness, and pain. This process helps the damaged tissue to repair and prevent infection. If left untreated for a long time. It can lead to more tissue damage, calcium deposits, and bone spurs. Which can lead to nerve compression.

Dr. Chumpol also revealed about risky behaviors for “inflammatory cells” in the spine that daily life plays an important role in causing inflammation in the spine, namely sitting or standing in the same position for a long time. Sitting and working in front of a computer for a long time without changing posture, looking down at a mobile phone, or standing in an incorrect posture. Causing the muscles around the spine to become tense and repeatedly injured.

Overuse of muscles : Lifting heavy objects or exercising too hard can damage muscles and tendons. 

Degenerative arthritis : Degeneration of the discs and joints. Causing friction between the joints in the spine, which in turn promotes inflammation and chronic pain.

Lifting heavy objects or sitting in the same position for more than 2 hours causes the spine to bear too much weight (Overload) and be compressed until degeneration and inflammation occur because the spine is not designed to bear excess weight. If we compare it to a weightlifter who used to be able to lift 10 kilograms and then suddenly lifts 100 kilograms. The https://ufabet999.app body will immediately not be able to bear the excess weight.

However, a proper diagnosis is important to know the real cause of back pain. Such as physical testing or using an MRI or X-ray to look at the structure of the spine, discs and surrounding tissues, which will help the doctor choose the most appropriate treatment.

Currently, modern technology is being used to treat patients with chronic neck, shoulder, or occipital pain for a long time. Doctors will recommend surgery on the back of the cervical spine using the PSCD (Percutaneous Stenoscopic Cervical Decompression) technique for treatment. However, if the cervical disc herniation is severe, pressing on the spinal cord, or deteriorating, doctors will choose the Endoscopic ACDF technique for cervical disc surgery using a small incision endoscope into the space within the neck bone to remove the disc that is pressing on the nerves.

For patients with spinal disc stenosis, lumbar disc herniation, or herniated discs, treatment with the PSLD technique is another way to reduce nerve compression without the need for major open surgery. This is because the doctor will drill a small hole, only 0.5 cm, in the skin on the back and insert an endoscope into the problem area and select to cut only the part that is pressing on the nerve.

Prevention and post-treatment care

  • Adjust your sitting and standing posture to the correct position, keeping your spine straight and trying to change your posture every 1-2 hours.
  • Exercise to strengthen your back and core muscles to increase strength and reduce the risk of injury, such as swimming or Pilates.
  • Massage and physical therapy Use massage and physical therapy to relax muscles, reduce tension and improve blood circulation.

Dr. Chumpol concluded with an interesting point that the average age of the Thai population is currently higher and is at risk of spinal diseases caused by the degenerative process in the elderly. We are starting to find more patients in younger people with spinal problems from risky behaviors in their lives, such as sitting in the wrong position, sitting for a long time, or having an accident where they are hit hard, lifting heavy objects, or playing sports too strenuously.

Statistics from S Spine Hospital show that they have treated more than 10,000 patients who came for spinal surgery. Specialist doctors focus on treating the disease at the right point and use modern technology to treat patients. So that they can recover quickly and return to their normal lives.