Nigerian orthopedic surgeon and professor of trauma surgery, Mike Ogirima, has raised a red flag on the increasing cases of chronic back pain, linking it to modern lifestyle habits such as twerking, poor sitting posture, and overloading the spine through heavy lifting. He warned that these practices abuse the back and accelerate wear and tear.

Speaking with FRONTPAGE Healthwise, Professor Ogirima explained that the back, which is central to daily mobility, faces stress from multiple angles, especially among people involved in rigorous daily activities. These include laborers, porters, artisans, and even digital workers who sit for prolonged hours without proper support.

Twerking and twisting movements stress the spine

While many consider dancing a form of exercise, Professor Ogirima cautioned that certain styles—like twerking and excessive twisting—place unnatural strain on the spinal axis. “A lot of dancing, twisting, and twerking is an abuse of the back. You are subjecting it to an unusual force,” he said.

According to him, such movements exert undue mechanical pressure on the spine, especially when performed repetitively without proper strength conditioning. He emphasized that even dancers in top shape face long-term risks if they don’t balance performance with adequate rest and care.

Posture problems: Sitting slouched is harmful

Ogirima also identified improper sitting positions as a silent contributor to chronic lower back pain. “Some people sit slanting forward or backward. That’s abuse. You’re supposed to sit with your back straight and supported,” he explained.

He advised against sitting for more than two hours without a break. According to him, taking short walks or stretching at intervals helps maintain spinal flexibility and reduces tension build-up.

“People who sit too long without movement—whether in offices or during long commutes—should stand, stretch, and move. It helps the spine recover.”

Heavy lifting and bending speed up spinal wear

Another major contributor to back injuries, Ogirima noted, is the daily strain experienced by people who carry heavy loads or perform repetitive bending. These include market workers, farmers, mechanics, and masons.

“The more you bend, the more your back wears out,” he warned. Over time, the spine loses its ability to absorb shock and maintain flexibility, leading to pain that may become persistent.

He advised such individuals to use proper lifting techniques and to avoid overexertion. In cases of consistent pain, seeing a medical professional remains essential.

Lifestyle changes can reduce chronic back pain

Professor Ogirima further urged people suffering from back pain to make immediate lifestyle changes. These include avoiding high-impact movements, managing weight, and reducing stress on the spine.

“Back pain can come with age and weight gain,” he said. “We cannot stop aging, but we can prevent back stress by managing our daily habits.”

He also stressed the importance of seeing a specialist if back pain lasts longer than expected. Proper diagnosis, he added, helps rule out spinal diseases or degenerative conditions like spondylosis.

Research shows high back injury rates in dancers

Scientific studies support Ogirima’s claims. A 2019 systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy revealed that lower back pain (LBP) affects between 20.3% to 79% of ballet dancers. Hip-hop dancers also show high LBP rates, ranging from 46.6% to 85.7%.

The review linked these injuries to repetitive full flexion and extension movements—common in professional dance. It also found that spine stress fractures, such as spondylolysis, occur more frequently among ballet dancers than in the general population.

Another study from Physical Therapy in Sport in 2018 found that back pain often interferes with a dancer’s ability to perform, with many requiring medication and ongoing care. It suggested that dancers, especially students and professionals, must have access to trained healthcare providers.

The bottom line: Prevention starts with awareness

Back pain may seem like a normal part of daily life, but it often results from years of neglect and poor habits. Experts like Professor Ogirima believe prevention begins with awareness—knowing how the spine works and what breaks it down.

Whether you’re dancing, lifting, or working behind a desk, back health should remain a priority. Simple adjustments in posture, movement, and daily routines can make all the difference in preventing a lifetime of pain.