Every Spine Counts

“As we age, we utilize our back and our neck more and more.”- Dr. Mo Bydon- spine surgeon at Mayo Clinic. It is safe to say we have all experienced pain. Globally, it is estimated that over 540 million people suffer with low back pain at any one time. Lower back pain remains the leading cause of years lived with disability. Unfortunately, we do not have a strong history of occupational safety in the society. Many of us spend long hours seated which is not good for our spines. World Spine Day is observed annually on October 16. World Spine Day recognizes the lack of access to quality spine care and rehabilitation in under-served communities, which results in chronicity and permanent deformity. For many populations, spinal pain and disability is not just a minor inconvenience, it can mean not being able to work and provide food and sustenance. It is believed World Spine Day is the largest global public health event dedicated to promoting spinal health and well-being. World Spine Day is observed by health professions and public organizations concerned with spine care throughout the world. This year’s theme is: Every Spine Counts. This theme highlights the diverse challenges of living with spinal pain in all regions, cultures, backgrounds, and across the life course. The intention is to educate, empower, and support others while promoting unique ways to address spinal health from many perspectives while always encouraging physical activity, proper ergonomics, and healthy habits. According to the online source at World Spine Day dot org, there needs to be a focus on the global burden of spinal disorders while emphasizing #EVERYSPINECOUNTS, highlighting the diverse challenges of living with low back pain in all regions, cultures, backgrounds, and across the life course; prioritizing a condition that is more prevalent than cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease combined. The day also highlights the diverse nature of spinal pain and disability at home, in the workplace, in schools and in our communities. Furthermore, World Spine Day highlighting ways in which all people can help their spines by staying mobile, avoiding physical inactivity, not overloading their spines, and adopting healthy habits such as weight loss and smoking cessation. Spinal injury falls in the category of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC states musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are conditions in which: The work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the condition; and/or the condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions. Musculoskeletal disorders are associated with high costs to employers such as absenteeism, lost productivity, and increased health care, disability, and worker’s compensation costs. MSD cases are more severe than the average nonfatal injury or illness. Treatment Options Dr. Bydon says pinpointing the exact source of the pain and finding the best way to fix it can be tricky but not hopeless. He adds, generally something can be done to help usually starting with nonoperative measures. Dr. Bydon says. in many cases ice packs, heat packs, physical therapy or injections can take care of the problem. Other times, surgery is the only thing that can alleviate the pain. Importantly, Dr. Bydon says, we all have some control in avoiding back problems by strengthening of the musculature around the back, those are important areas to help prevent back pain and to help slow down the rate of degeneration. Living with pain is no fun. Those of us with sedentary jobs are especially at risk for 'sitting disease'. Research has warned time and time again that “sitting disease” is real. If you are sitting all day at work, you should get up every 30 minutes and move to cut your risk. It is extremely important to leave your desk at lunchtime. Undoubtedly, you will pay the price later if you do not. There are treatment options available to ease your pain and suffering. Today is the day to speak with your health care provider. Spine health is important. In the words of Socrates, if you would seek health, look first to the spine. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #WorldSpineDay #EverySpineCounts