‘We just sit too much': Experts say modern lifestyle major cause of back pain

Al Etihad

12 hours ago

26 June 2025 23:18
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Modern technology and sedentary lifestyles are leading to an increase in cases of back pain, according to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi experts, who are urging the public to change habits that are silently causing spinal damage — and to act early.Specialists from the hospital's inter-disciplinary team identified the most common risk factors, the warning signs, and the cutting-edge treatment available in the UAE.
Aletihad spoke to Dr. Reda Tolba, Division Chair of Pain Medicine at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's Neurological Institute, and Dr. Nader Hebela, Staff Physician in the Neurosurgery Department at the same institute. 'We just sit too much in 2025, which lends itself to increased risk of lower back pain,' said Dr. Hebela. 'Think about your life on a daily basis. You sit in your car on the way to work, you go to work, and you probably sit at the desk. These extended periods of sitting throughout multiple days can lead to muscle imbalance, reduced spinal flexibility, and increased pressure on spinal discs.'Dr. Tolba pointed out that poor posture while using phones and laptops also takes its toll.'Improper ergonomics and slouching over devices cause strain on the neck and lower back muscles. Repetitive bad habits over time can lead to chronic pain and spinal issues,' he said.He urged people to pay attention to how they sit and view screens, 'Try to sit properly and look at your devices in a healthy way to avoid developing these habits.'But technology and poor posture are not the only causes. According to Dr. Hebela, 'we do not exercise enough either.'He cited recommendations by the American Heart Association — adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.'We also do not strengthen our core. People forget the back is part of the centre of your body. Planks, abdominal work, and lumbar exercises can help significantly,' he added.Weight gain also plays a major role in back pain risk, especially after periods of inactivity, like during COVID-19 lockdowns. Dr. Tolba noted, 'The more weight gain you have, the stronger the association with increased lower back pain. That is why monitoring your weight, staying active, and doing core strengthening exercises are essential.' For office workers, small changes can help. 'If you sit for long hours, get up every 15 minutes, stretch your back, do neck or shoulder exercises,' Dr. Hebela recommended. 'Even simple movements like plank, sit-ups, or pushups — if space allows — can help maintain spinal health. We rarely see people doing that in offices, but it would make a difference.'However, some back pains are more serious than others.Dr. Tolba warned that 'if the pain is severe, unrelenting, or associated with numbness, weakness, loss of bladder, or bowel control, unexplained weight loss, or fever — those are red flags.'Such symptoms could indicate spinal cord compression or serious underlying conditions.'In these cases, people should go straight to the emergency department,' he urged.The care may start with physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, followed by medication or targeted injections if pain persists.The doctors explained that concerns about steroid injections are often overblown. These injections can reduce inflammation and allow patients to resume physical therapy and improve.
Surgical options are reserved for specific conditions, and at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and are performed using advanced techniques like robotics, intraoperative navigation, and minimally invasive methods.