One of the biggest problems brought by the age of technology is back pain. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rise of remote work, people’s physical activity has decreased while the number of desk workers has increased. Prolonged hours spent working at computers have led to postural disorders in many individuals. The increased use of computers, phones, and tablets among young people has also lowered the age at which back pain occurs. This situation causes various problems ranging from mechanical back pain to the disruption of the spine’s natural curvature. The same issues are observed in those who carry heavy backpacks or carry their backpacks on one shoulder.
The Structure of the Spine and Its Problems
The spine has a specific shape and curvature. Failure to maintain this natural structure puts strain on the ligaments and joints that connect the vertebrae. If this strain becomes chronic, it can lead to permanent damage. When the connective tissue is damaged, it can no longer support the weight of the spine, and the muscles compensate. Since the primary function of muscles is to facilitate movement, overloading them to provide stability results in the formation of myofascial pain, commonly known as muscle knots. Additionally, the inability of the spine to bear its load can cause herniation of the intervertebral discs. Advanced herniation may lead to nerve compression, causing serious problems. Although thoracic disc herniations are rare, their surgical treatment carries significant risks.
In some individuals, spinal curvature (scoliosis) may occur congenitally or develop later. While surgical treatment is necessary for severe scoliosis cases, it is often avoided. Patients with scoliosis frequently experience significant pain, and this condition can affect people of all ages, including young individuals.
Scoliosis and Exercise
The treatment of scoliosis is somewhat different. While pain caused by scoliosis can be alleviated, the spinal deformity itself may not be fully corrected. Exercise plays an important role in managing this patient group as well. Patients who are unable to perform exercises properly can work under the supervision of a physiotherapist or manual therapist. Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine and typically appears during childhood or adolescence. If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to more serious health problems over time.
The treatment approach for scoliosis depends on the degree of curvature and the patient’s age. In mild cases, strengthening the spinal muscles and improving flexibility through exercise and physical therapy is essential. In moderate to severe cases, the use of a brace or surgical intervention may be necessary. Exercise programs used in scoliosis treatment are designed to increase spinal stability and reduce pain.
What Treatments Can Be Applied?
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Prolotherapy: It is an injection treatment used to repair weak or damaged connective tissues. This therapy can be applied to the ligaments in the spine or to trigger points within muscles.
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Neuroprolotherapy: It is an injection treatment used for nerve pain. By targeting the nerves, it helps alleviate pain and supports the healing process.
- Prolozone:
It is the application of ozone gas using the prolotherapy method. Ozone gas is used to reduce pain and stimulate healing in damaged soft tissues and joints.
Which Types of Back Pain Can It Be Applied To?
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Non-specific Back Pain: Back pain without a specific identifiable cause.
- Back Hernia: Herniation of the discs between the vertebrae.
- Facet Joint Degenerations:
Degenerative changes in the spinal joints.
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Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine.
Treatment Methods
Patients with back pain, including those with herniated discs, experience significant relief through treatment methods such as prolotherapy, neuroprolotherapy, and prolozone injections. These therapies can be applied to the ligaments of the spine as well as to trigger points within the muscles. Following these treatments, applying heat or cold therapy and performing exercises as recommended by the physician help ensure lasting results. Post-treatment exercise is especially important to prevent the continuation of posture-related issues that contribute to the damage.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is an injection treatment used to repair weak or damaged connective tissues. This therapy can be applied to the ligaments in the spine or to trigger points within muscles. Prolotherapy is especially effective for chronic back pain, as it stimulates the body’s natural healing process, promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues.
Neuroprolotherapy
Neuroprolotherapy is an injection treatment used for nerve pain. It works by targeting the nerves to reduce pain and support the healing process. It is especially effective for conditions such as compressed nerves or nerve inflammations. Neuroprolotherapy involves injecting around the affected nerve tissues to regulate nerve function and alleviate pain.
Prolozone
Prolozone is the application of ozone gas using the prolotherapy method. Ozone gas is used to reduce pain and stimulate healing in damaged soft tissues and joints. By supplying oxygen to the tissues, ozone accelerates cellular metabolism and supports the healing process. Prolozone treatment can be particularly effective in conditions such as osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease.
Back pain is a serious health issue brought on by modern lifestyles. However, with the right treatment methods and exercise programs, this problem can be largely managed and even improved. Treatments such as prolotherapy, neuroprolotherapy, and prolozone offer effective solutions for patients suffering from back pain. It is important that these therapies are administered by expert physicians and that post-treatment exercises are not neglected.
To determine the most appropriate treatment method, consultation and examination by a specialist physician are essential.