Expert: Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP - 1/29/2009

Question
I am 26 years old, My occupation is to continuously work on computer (sitting)At times I have difficulty in standing & sitting upright. i.e. I have a tendency to slouch back while I am working on PC, Can it be because of slipped disk? I also want to know what are the symptoms of slipped disk & when is the right time to see a doctor?  Can exercise on treadmill or cycling help in this regard?

Answer
Adnan,

Yes, prolonged sitting in a slumped position can irritate the discs in your lumbar spine.  This is well researched (e.g. Google: Back pain AND McGill).   The disc doesn't really slip.  It can bulge, tear, chip, or become swollen.  If it gets irritated in any way, it can cause generalized lower back pain and pain that is perceived in the buttocks or thighs.   If it bulges and protrudes against a nerve that comes out of your spinal cord, then it will cause pain all along that nerve's path, vis. down your leg and into the calf and foot.  This type of pain is called sciatica, and the term sciatica is appropriately used only when there are leg and foot symptoms and not when there is just lower back pain or back pain with referred pain into the butt or thighs.   Any flexed or slumped position will compress the discs and make them vulnerable to bulging or becoming irritated.  That's why many experts, including the notable researcher, McGill, advises not to do sit ups.  That's why golfers hold their club against the ground and kick their leg up when they bend down to pick up the golf ball (they pivot on the ball-and-socket of the hip so that they can avoid flexing their lower backs).  If you have access to a chiropractor with rehab' training, or a PT that is expert in spine conditions (most say they are but really are not), then get checked out and learn about good posture, proper body mechanics and ergonomics, and the right kinds of exercises to perform.   Here's an interesting web site:  www.fixyourownback.com


I hope this was helpful.

Dr. G