Dance but don’t suffer: How excessive dancing and sitting can lead to chronic back pain

A professor of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, Mike Ogirima, has warned that some dancing styles and sitting positions can harm the back.

He stated that excessive twisting, twerking, and poor posture could cause persistent back pain and accelerate wear and tear.

Ogirima, a former Nigerian Medical Association president, explained that certain rigorous activities increase the risk of spinal problems.

He noted that labourers, artisans, and people who constantly bend their backs are at higher risk of back pain.

According to report, the orthopaedic expert listed poor sitting habits as a major contributor to spinal issues.

“Sitting slant backward or forward is an abuse of the back and can cause discomfort over time,” he warned.

He added that carrying heavy loads overloads the spine, leading to serious health complications.

To prevent back problems, he advised standing up and stretching every two hours to reduce spinal pressure.

“Sitting in one position for hours worsens back pain. Movement helps in reducing strain on the spine,” Ogirima emphasized.

He explained that overuse of the back in strenuous work increases wear and tear, making back pain more common.

Ogirima also linked aging and obesity to increased risks of chronic back pain, urging people to adopt preventive measures.

“We cannot stop aging, but limiting stressful activities can help in managing back pain,” he noted.

He advised anyone experiencing persistent back pain to seek medical attention to identify the cause.

Research has shown that dancers, especially ballet and hip-hop performers, suffer high rates of lower back pain.

A study found that 20.3% to 79% of ballet dancers experience lower back pain, while hip-hop dancers record 46.6% to 85.7%.

Another study, published in 2019, revealed that dancers frequently suffer musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lower back.

The research linked this to repeated full flexion and extension movements that strain the spine over time.

Findings showed that professional ballet dancers have a higher incidence of spine stress fractures due to long hours of practice.

A separate 2018 study found that dancers with a history of lower back pain are more likely to suffer future episodes.

Experts concluded that dancers need specialized healthcare support to manage back pain and prevent further injuries.

Ogirima urged Nigerians to be mindful of activities that put excessive pressure on the spine to maintain good back health.

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