On the other hand, the health of our spine, which bears the weight of our entire body, is deteriorating more and more every day in the modern world. In fact, spinal deformities, such as severe scoliosis, occur in 60 out of every 100 people over the age of 60. These problems are also extremely difficult to treat. Professor Ehmet Ilanay, a trauma specialist at Ecibadem Maslak Hospital, discusses research in this field conducted by the European Spine Study Group, of which he is a member, and offers some specific recommendations.

1) The lives of spinal patients are as difficult as those of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):

The European Spine Study Group, which includes specialists from Turkey, Spain, France, and Switzerland, discussed in detail the issue of spinal deformities in adults and compared their effects with other diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and arthritis. The research was so significant that the group won the European Spine Society’s Best Research Award. Professor Ehmet Ilanay, who explained that spinal deformities affect quality of life just like other chronic diseases, added, “Sometimes spinal problems are so severe that they prevent a patient from walking even for 10 minutes. This is as difficult as breathing for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.”

2) Problems increase with age:

In fact, spinal problems such as spondylosis and scoliosis are more commonly identified as problems that occur in childhood and adolescence. However, due to the decline in physical activity that came with the information revolution, with long hours spent inactive in front of the computer, and a sedentary lifestyle, spinal problems are now considered more serious health problems in recent years. Moreover, the increased life expectancy compared to the past is another reason why these types of spinal diseases are being detected later in life. Nowadays, with technology and science reaching new heights, expectations for a better quality of life are increasing, and people who were naturally accustomed to living with certain health problems now expect a faster resolution. Non-surgical methods (physical therapy, pain management, etc.) are used to treat spinal disorders that occur with age. However, surgeries may be necessary from time to time. Although the complication rate during these procedures can be relatively high due to the patient’s advanced age, surgical procedures, which are reserved as a last resort when all other treatment options have failed, still offer a significant improvement in quality of life despite the high complication rate.

3) 60 out of every 100 people over the age of 60 suffer from spinal problems:

Spinal deformities occur in 60 out of every 100 people over the age of 60, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years. To prevent this statistic from increasing, we need to change some of our habits.

4) 7 Recommendations for Maintaining a Healthy Spine:

1. Pay special attention to your weight: Excess weight increases the load on your spine and reduces mobility. Eat a healthy diet to maintain your fitness and reduce stress on your spine. Calcium-rich foods also help maintain a balanced diet and strengthen your bones.
2. Keep your muscles strong through regular physical activity: Almost all of us suffer from a sedentary lifestyle. We move as little as possible at the office or at home and travel everywhere by car or bus, leading to muscle weakness. Your muscles must be strong to have a healthy spine. So, make sure to devote half an hour every day to exercise.
3. Avoid inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle causes muscle weakness and makes your spine unhealthy. That’s why you should add as much activity to your life as possible.
4. Maintain good posture: The first rule for a healthy spine is to maintain good posture. Good posture allows the spine to use less energy, resulting in less fatigue. Therefore, good posture reduces the chances of developing spinal problems later in life.
5. Beware of high heels: Shoes that are too high or too flat have a negative impact on the knees, thighs, and spine. With this in mind, make sure your heel is only 3–4 centimeters high.
6. Avoid cigarettes: Smoking prevents the intervertebral disc from receiving nourishment and can cause back pain. For a healthy spine, don’t smoke.
7. Make sure your bag isn’t heavy: The bag or laptop you carry every day can cause serious problems with your spine. So, if you suffer from back and neck pain in particular, avoid carrying heavy loads. When you must carry heavy loads, keep them close to your body and don’t carry them higher than your upper body.