Back and knee pain are becoming one of the main reasons people seek medical help. Joint and spine problems affect not only the elderly but also the youth. Such ailments are caused by a sedentary lifestyle, prolonged time spent at the computer, excess weight, physical overload, and attempts at self-treatment. Orthopedist of the highest category Sovetbek Kazakov shared insights on the reasons for the increase in musculoskeletal disorders and how to maintain joint health.
- Why are more and more people complaining about back and joint pain?
- Musculoskeletal disorders have always been known to humanity. The history of medicine shows that even in ancient times, people were engaged in bone treatment. Archaeologists find evidence of surgeries as well as primitive structures for fixation. Thus, traumatology and orthopedics have deep roots.
I have worked in this field for about 40 years and can confidently say that problems with the spine and joints have existed before. However, nowadays, patients more frequently consult doctors as medicine has become more accessible, and the level of public awareness has increased. People understand the necessity of treatment.
Nevertheless, most patients start with self-treatment or conservative methods: massage, spinal traction, anti-inflammatory medications. They only come to the doctor when the disease progresses to an advanced stage, with severe pain or pinched nerves.
- Is self-treatment advisable?
- It is highly discouraged. Self-treatment can lead to complications. Often, patients turn to world-renowned chiropractors or other specialists without medical education, and their condition worsens after such procedures, which we then have to correct.
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, which could have been avoided if the person had consulted a doctor at an earlier stage.
- What are the main causes of spine and joint diseases?
- There are many causes, but the most common are excess weight, heavy physical labor, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
Excess weight creates additional stress on the joints and spine. Gaining 10-20 kilograms accelerates the wear of joint cartilage, leading to arthrosis and herniated discs.
Heavy physical labor also negatively impacts health. Regular stress on the joints and spine over time causes damage.
- How does prolonged time at the computer affect back health?
- This is a very serious problem. Prolonged sitting at the computer disrupts posture, increases the load on the spine, and consequently leads to back pain.
Moreover, it negatively affects vision and the overall condition of the body. Therefore, it is important to properly organize the workspace, choose a comfortable chair, and monitor back posture.
Equally important is to take regular breaks. Even 5-10 minutes of active movement during the workday can significantly reduce the load on the back.
- What orthopedic problems are most common in children?
- Children often have congenital pathologies, such as hip dysplasia, especially in girls.
Modern diagnostic methods allow for the detection of such problems at early stages. Children are regularly examined by specialists, and if there is suspicion of a pathology, ultrasound and other examinations are conducted.
If a pathology is diagnosed in time, it can be successfully treated. However, if parents seek help too late, it can lead to severe joint deformities.
- What should parents pay attention to?
- Parents should be alerted by any deviations in their child's development: an abnormal gait, asymmetry of skin folds on the legs, or a shortened limb.
If such symptoms are present, it is necessary to urgently show the child to an orthopedist.
- How to choose orthopedic insoles correctly?
- This is not always justified. Some people buy insoles based on recommendations from acquaintances, which can be a mistake.
If there is flatfoot or other deformities, insoles should be selected individually. Special examinations, such as plantography — a study of the foot on a special device — are necessary.
Only after that can suitable orthopedic products be selected.
- How does excess weight affect the health of joints and spine?
- Yes, this is one of the main risk factors. Excess weight increases the load on the joints and spine, which over time can lead to cartilage destruction and the development of arthrosis.
- Are there slender people with joint problems? Why does this happen?
- Yes, sometimes this is related to excessive physical loads or professional sports.
I always emphasize: sports are for athletes, while physical education is for health. Professional athletes experience significant stress on their joints, which can lead to serious problems in adulthood.
Therefore, ordinary people are better off engaging in physical education rather than overloading their bodies.
- What modern treatment methods are used in orthopedics?
- Medicine is rapidly evolving, and today modern technologies and implants are used.
We can replace joints such as hip, knee, shoulder, and ankle. After surgeries, patients return to an active life, can walk and work without pain.
This is significant progress compared to the past.
- What role does heredity play in the development of joint diseases?
- Heredity is very important. There are genetic diseases of the joints and bones, and sometimes young people face serious problems at the age of 18-20 due to hereditary factors.
In such cases, complex treatment is required.
- What can be done to maintain joint health in everyday life?
- The main thing is movement. Regular walks in the fresh air and morning exercises can significantly improve the condition of the spine and joints.
Unfortunately, many lead a sedentary lifestyle, immediately getting into a car and moving little on foot.
This also negatively affects health.
- Should a person, if they have no complaints, visit an orthopedist?
- A preventive check-up is never unnecessary. Sometimes a doctor can identify a problem at an early stage when a person does not yet feel pain.
Early diagnosis allows avoiding serious diseases and maintaining joint health for many years.
