Pain from prolonged sitting may indicate a herniated disc.

Sitting for long periods without changing posture has become a part of working life. Spinal specialists warn that this behavior can accelerate spinal degeneration by up to three times and lead to a common condition among working adults: "herniated disc."

What causes a herniated disc to compress a nerve?

Intervertebral discs act as cushions, absorbing shock between vertebrae and allowing for flexible movement of the spine. However, as we age, these discs gradually degenerate, collapse, and lose their elasticity, which can cause them to shift out of position and compress nerves.

While increasing age is a contributing factor to intervertebral disc degeneration, lifestyle habits among working adults accelerate this problem. In particular, prolonged sitting at a computer, continuous meetings, repetitive use of mobile phones, or even improper lifting of heavy objects all unknowingly place increased stress on the spine.

From chronic back pain…to herniated disc.

In the early stages, degenerated intervertebral discs begin to collapse. If left untreated, they may shift out of position and compress nerves, causing radiating pain down the leg or arm. Many people mistakenly believe that severe pain is dangerous, but in reality, even mild pain radiating down the leg, weakness, or numbness may be a sign of a herniated disc. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage, increasing the risk of paralysis, stroke, or loss of bladder and bowel control. To use a simple analogy, nerves are like blades of grass. If stepped on briefly, they can recover, but if repeatedly compressed for a long time, the grass will gradually turn yellow and die. Similarly, nerves that are compressed for extended periods will experience nerve cell degeneration and cannot recover.

Modify your lifestyle to reduce the risk of herniated disc.

Early care and prevention can help reduce the risk of herniated discs. Start by avoiding prolonged sitting; stand up or stretch every 30-60 minutes to reduce pressure on the spine. Additionally, choosing an ergonomically designed and properly adjusted chair will help maintain correct spinal alignment, reducing strain on the intervertebral discs. Another crucial factor is regular exercise, such as swimming, yoga, or Pilates, which strengthens back and core muscles, improving spinal stability and reducing the long-term risk of nerve compression.