Back pain after sitting for long periods: Signs of scoliosis that are easily overlooked

(Dan Tri) - Many young people only realize their spines are curved when they go for a routine health check-up. They think their back pain is due to sitting too much, but it turns out to be a silently progressing scoliosis - something that grows with the habit of bending, sitting crookedly and little movement.

When the X-ray film "tells the truth"

According to doctors, scoliosis in adults often does not appear suddenly but is formed from repeated factors: sitting in the wrong posture, pelvic tilt, weak core muscles or improper carrying. These factors cause the spine to rotate and tilt gradually over time but do not cause severe pain so it is easily overlooked.

Patients visit a specialist (Photo: BVCC)

One of the recent cases recorded at South Saigon Hospital is Mr. NMN (27 years old), who came to the hospital as part of the agency's periodic health checkup program. The X-ray results of the spine showed that the curve was more pronounced on the right than normal. Previously, the patient only felt back pain when sitting for a long time and occasional numbness in the legs, but never thought he had a spinal problem.

Dr. Nguyen Hai Tam, a specialist in Neurosurgery - Spine, said: "Many patients only think that their back is tired due to sitting for a long time, but X-rays show that the spinal curve is clearly deviated to the left or right. If these cases are not detected early, the risk of progression to severe scoliosis or disc herniation is very high."

Why is scoliosis in young people increasing?

According to doctors, the 5 groups of causes with the highest rate in young people include:

Sitting in the wrong posture for a long time: Hunching over, leaning to one side, looking down at a low screen, sitting continuously for 6-10 hours/day causes the spine to bear a skewed load for a long time.

Pelvic tilt: Originates from the habit of sitting with legs crossed, standing with pressure on one side or previous pelvic injury. When the pelvis is tilted, the entire spinal axis is affected.

Weak core muscles: A sedentary lifestyle causes the abdominal and back muscles to not be strong enough to keep the spine in a straight axis, creating conditions for scoliosis to progress.

Carrying heavy objects in the wrong posture: Wearing a backpack on the wrong shoulder, lifting weights with the wrong technique, or turning suddenly when carrying heavy objects can all cause the spine to become unstable.

Rare causes but should be noted: Prolonged stress causes muscle stiffness, long legs - short legs, mild congenital malformations or misalignment due to herniated disc.

Dr. Tam assessed: “These causes do not cause sudden changes but accumulate over time. Therefore, most young people do not realize they have scoliosis until they go for a general examination or the condition has affected their daily activities.”

Signs that are easily overlooked

Although the initial symptoms of scoliosis are quite vague, there are still signs that can be identified early:

- Uneven shoulders or one hip higher than the other.

- Back curved in a "C" or "S" shape when looking in the mirror.

- Back pain after sitting for long periods of time.

- Slightly slanted gait, uneven steps.

- Some cases have mild numbness in the lumbar and buttocks region.

However, many people think that this is just "muscle fatigue" or "temporary bad posture", so they miss the golden time to adjust.

Doctor discusses with patient the signs of scoliosis (Photo: BVCC).

Early detection in regular health check-ups leads to better control

Unlike a medical examination when symptoms appear, a regular general health examination allows the doctor to evaluate the spinal structure even when the patient has no obvious symptoms. With just a straight-side X-ray and a visual examination, the doctor can detect the degree of curvature, body misalignment, pelvic imbalance, and early warning signs of disc herniation.

With early detection, patients can adjust their posture, practice core strengthening exercises, change their lifestyle habits or undergo physical therapy. Newly formed scoliosis can be effectively controlled if applied promptly.

Scoliosis treatment: Each person has their own path

Depending on the severity of the scoliosis and the cause, the doctor may prescribe: Physical therapy - posture correction; core strengthening exercises; orthopedic braces (mainly in young people with soft scoliosis); changes in the environment and work habits, and regular X-ray monitoring to monitor progress.

In cases of scoliosis associated with disc herniation or nerve compression, the treatment regimen will be adjusted according to this co-morbidity to avoid severe progression.

When should I see a specialist?

- Back pain lasting more than 1-2 weeks.

- Clearly misaligned shoulders or hips.

- Slanted gait, difficulty maintaining balance.

- Numbness down the legs.

- Any back deformity when bending over.

Doctor Tam emphasized: "Scoliosis is not immediately dangerous, but if left untreated, the risk of early degeneration and disc herniation increases significantly."

To be examined, have your spine condition assessed or need advice on the symptoms you are experiencing, contact Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital via hotline 1800 6767 (extension 2) or visit the website benhviennamsaigon.com. Early examination is always the best way to prevent complications and maintain a healthy spine.

South Saigon International General Hospital

Address: 88 Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung, HCMC.

Hotline: 1800 6767

Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/BenhVienDaKhoaQuocTeNamSaiGon

Website: https://benhviennamsaigon.com/

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/dau-lung-sau-thoi-gian-ngoi-lau-dau-hieu-veo-cot-song-de-bi-bo-qua-20251205002437860.htm