He noted that, contrary to popular belief, road traffic accidents and injuries rank last on the list of causes of spinal problems. "The main issue lies in our lifestyle, which includes sedentary work for 8-10 hours, heavy loads such as carrying groceries, and a general lack of physical activity," Ratinoff explained.
If previously back problems were mainly found in people over 40, now such complaints have become common among teenagers and young adults. According to the doctor, even 16-18-year-olds can face similar issues due to prolonged use of mobile phones and computers, as well as a sedentary lifestyle during studies and work.
Ratinoff also emphasized that modern children have become less active: "In the past, they spent a lot of time outdoors, but now they are more often sitting in front of screens of phones and tablets, which negatively affects their health."
The specialist identified several categories of young patients:
- professional athletes (dancers, track and field athletes, choreographers) experiencing serious physical loads;
- children from regions who have to perform hard physical work, such as carrying water;
- youth with a sedentary lifestyle who hardly engage in sports.
To prevent such problems, Ratinoff recommends engaging in physical activity. "It is enough to dedicate 40-60 minutes to this two to three times a week, walk more, and take walks with children. Parents should take their children outside more often," he advises.
It is also beneficial to conduct daily warm-ups and walks. Even 20-30 minutes of walking to work or in the evening can significantly improve the condition of the spine and overall well-being.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: stock.adobe.com.
