As part of our “Health at Home” campaign, today we focus on protecting the spine in medical professions that involve asymmetric working positions, repetitive movements and lifting or moving patients. This is a common problem among surgeons, dentists and nurses, as well as other healthcare professionals. Many of these activities put significant strain on the spine and the musculoskeletal system.

Biomechanics and the role of the spine in medical work

From a biomechanical point of view, the spine plays a central role in maintaining the body's stability and mobility. It is made up of the following distinct segments:

  • Cervical spine
  • Thoracic spine
  • Lumbar spine
  • Sacrococcygeal spine

The four physiological curves of the spine (cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and sacral kyphosis) act as a shock-absorbing system, keeping the body balanced and protecting the intervertebral structures. This biomechanical complexity is essential for the optimal functioning of the body, but it is also vulnerable to the mechanical stress caused by poor working positions and the repetitive physical effort typical of medical professions.

Risk factors for spine conditions in healthcare professionals

  • Poor and asymmetric posture: Surgeons, dentists and nurses are frequently exposed to prolonged flexion of the trunk and neck, which overloads the paraspinal muscles and compresses the intervertebral discs. This inappropriate positioning can promote the development of chronic lower back pain and neck pain.
  • Repetitive movements: Healthcare professionals frequently perform repetitive arm and neck movements, such as lifting patients or using surgical instruments, which can cause joint wear and overload the muscles and ligaments.

Over time, these postures and movements can lead to muscle and joint imbalances that cause disease, especially in the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbarsegments. These imbalances predispose to the following conditions:

  • Lower back pain and neck pain of muscular origin
  • Disc protrusions and herniated discs in the lumbar and cervical spine
  • Spondylosis and other forms of joint degeneration.

Preventive measures to protect the spine

Adopting correct postures:

  • Chairs with adjustable height and proper lumbar support.
  • A height-adjustable work table to avoid excessive bending.

Frequent breaks:

  • Stand up and take a few steps every 30-60 minutes.
  • Do stretching exercises for the neck and back.

General muscle toning exercises:

  • Pilates and yoga: these activities strengthen the core and back muscles, providing better support for the spine.
  • Strength exercises at the gym: workouts that focus on the abdominal and back muscles can prevent back pain.
  • The recommendations of an expert physiotherapist are especially valuable.

Relaxation techniques:

  • Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to reduce muscle tension and stress.

Do all of this for prevention, or, if you can find the time, you can opt for a BackFix computerized muscle and joint assessment, which precisely shows the level of cervicothoracic anteroposterior and thoracolumbar imbalance in just 30 minutes.

If some degree of imbalance already exists, it can be corrected by the shortest route using the BackFix system.

Computerized assessment has scientifically demonstrated preventive value as well as scientifically demonstrated therapeutic value.

Conclusion

Medical professionals, including dentists and nurses, often face spine conditions due to poor posture and repetitive movements. It is essential that we adopt appropriate preventive measures and stay aware of our posture to protect our spine. By following physiotherapists' recommendations and using correct techniques, we can reduce the risk of these conditions and maintain optimal spinal health, ensuring a long and productive career in the medical field.

If you would like a BackFix assessment, we look forward to seeing you at our clinic at Str. Zăgazului 21-25, Bucharest. To book an appointment, call 0723573027 / 0723573028.

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Let's stay healthy and fit, whatever challenges come our way!

Warm regards,

Physiotherapist Dr. Daniela Schor