According to the doctor, back pain is a leading cause of disability and incapacity worldwide. It is predicted that by 2050, the number of people suffering from this problem will increase by 300 million, while currently, there are already more than half a billion.
Ratynov noted that it was previously believed that such diseases only affected people over 40 years old. However, he now observes that even young people aged 16-18 and professional athletes suffer from back pain. Interestingly, road traffic accidents and injuries rank last on the list of causes of spinal problems.
The specialist emphasized that the main factor contributing to the onset of the ailment is lifestyle.
“Sitting at work for eight to ten hours, monotonous physical activities such as carrying heavy bags, using motor vehicles, and overall low physical activity—all of this negatively affects health. Problems with the neck and lower back in young people often arise from prolonged use of mobile phones and computers, as well as sedentary studying and working. Today, children move significantly less—while they used to play outside, now they prefer to spend time in front of their gadget screens,” he added.
A lack of physical activity leads to a deterioration in the nutrition of intervertebral discs, which can cause hernias and pain in muscles and joints.
Ratynov also emphasized that both excessive loads and their absence can be harmful. “It is important to maintain a balance: it is necessary to engage in physical activity at least two to three times a week for 40-60 minutes and to walk more,” he advises.
