Many young people suffer from spinal degeneration.

The number of young patients undergoing surgery at Tam Anh Hospital for degenerative spinal conditions has increased by more than 51% in the past three months compared to the same period last year.

Dr. Vu Duc Thang, from the Spine Department, Orthopedic Trauma Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, provided this information on March 28th.

"About 35% of Vietnamese people suffer from degenerative spinal disease, with 30% of them aged 25-45," the doctor said, adding that spinal diseases are tending to increase and affect younger people, whereas previously they were commonly seen in those aged 60-69.

Spinal degeneration is often accompanied by disc degeneration, vertebral body surface degeneration, degeneration of the facet joints, and bone spurs, causing pain during movement, daily activities, or sports . This can lead to conditions such as herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, nerve damage, and spinal cord injury, resulting in limb weakness or paralysis.

Dr. Thang explained that the reason for the trend of younger people getting sick is due to a sedentary lifestyle or incorrect exercise habits. This age group often underestimates the problem and doesn't seek early medical attention until the disease becomes severe and affects their mobility. Many refuse surgery, mainly due to fear of long-term complications and paralysis.

Nhu Thinh, 22 years old, was surprised to be diagnosed with a herniated disc. He has a habit of high-intensity gym workouts. A few months ago, he experienced pain and numbness in his legs but did not seek medical attention until the pain became severe.

Linh, 28, an office worker, is overweight and spends a lot of time sitting, which increases pressure on her intervertebral discs. Recently, she experienced significant back pain and, after examination, was diagnosed with a herniated disc and spinal spurs.

Doctor Thang examines a young patient with spinal degeneration. (Illustrative image: Tam Anh General Hospital)

Currently, treatments for spinal degeneration are divided into two main groups: conservative and surgical. Mild and moderate cases are usually treated with medication, physical therapy, etc. Surgery is indicated for severe cases, when conservative treatment is ineffective, causing significant pain, and reducing mobility.

Mr. Thinh and Ms. Linh underwent minimally invasive spinal surgery. The doctor made a very small incision, inserted a dilating tube about 2 cm in diameter into the spine, and removed the herniated disc. A surgical microscope magnified the surgical site dozens of times, increasing the precision of the procedure.

Tam Anh Hospital also utilizes robotics in surgery, which helps warn patients if they are near nerves, avoiding damage to surrounding structures. On the first day after surgery, patients experience a significant reduction in numbness and pain, can walk around gently, and are discharged from the hospital.

Dr. Thang stated that thanks to advancements in equipment, technology, and the professional expertise of doctors, the success rate of treatment is over 90%, minimizing the risk of nerve damage and complications.

Doctors performed surgery on Mr. Thinh to treat a herniated disc. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

The spine is a vital part of the body, supporting weight and keeping the body upright and stable. It also contains elements such as the spinal cord and peripheral nerves that control the functions of many other organs in the body. Spinal degeneration increases the risk of pain, numbness, weakness in the legs, and disability.

Dr. Thang advises patients not to be complacent and to seek medical attention early if they experience back pain, pain radiating down the legs, numbness in the legs, or pain when changing positions. Patients who have undergone spinal surgery need to do so promptly to allow nerve cells to recover better. Once complications such as leg weakness or paralysis, or bowel and bladder dysfunction due to sphincter muscle damage, appear, the recovery rate is reduced by 50%.

Spinal degeneration is a preventable condition that can be managed through healthy living habits and proper posture. Young people should regularly engage in moderate-intensity exercise, maintain correct posture when lifting objects, and stand up and walk around after every 30-45 minutes of sitting at work.

Phi Hong

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