What May Cause Age-Related Back Pain?
Below are some of the most common conditions leading to age-related back pain::
Degenerative Developments
As time goes on and we begin to age into our elder years, the intervertebral discs can begin to wear down. This degeneration happens as we begin to age due to past injuries, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyles, and general degradation of the discs themselves over time. This can result in pain and reduced mobility.
Spinal Stenosis
This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing discomfort and pain.
The narrowing of a spinal canal, also known as spinal stenosis, can apply pressure to the spinal cord and nerves as we age. Ultimately, this may result in severe discomfort and pain if not promptly addressed.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebrae slips over another vertebrae, leading to a nerve compression and quite significant back pain. As we age, the likelihood of this occurring increases based on the individual’s quality of life, diet, and exercise regimen.
Here are 15 Ways to Possibly Reduce Back Pain as You Age
Here are practical strategies to help manage and reduce back pain:
1.) Staying Hydrated
Our discs throughout our skin need hydration to function properly. Without adequate hydration, one runs the risk of dehydrating the discs, leading to potential degeneration and injury.
2.) Healthier Eating
A balanced diet rich in protein, leafy greens, organic fruits, anti-inflammatory foods, and good amounts of fiber can produce fantastic results for the neck, back, and spine health as we age.
3.) Maintaining Physical Activity
Building core strength through regular exercise can do wonders for injury prevention and further promoting neck, back, and spine health. Without regular exercise and strength building strategies, you may run the risk of developing poor posture leading to back pain as you age.
4.) Physical Therapy
Working with our in-house team of physical therapists can help you overcome past injuries and help prevent new injuries from occurring. Our team of physical therapists work with everyone, old and young, to help establish the right exercise routines to live your best life yet.
5.) Resting Up, Strategically
We all need our sleep, yet if you sleep too much or too little, you may find your back pain increasing. It’s important to strategically rest when you need it, and also incorporate movement when you need it.
6.) Ice Baths
Ice baths, and alternating with heat therapy, can help you with back pain as you age. The anti-inflammatory aspects of ice baths may be able to help you recover from back pain as you age.
7.) Sauna
Promoting blood flow with the help of a sauna may be just what you need to help reduce tension, improve blood flow, and become more flexible with the help of a sauna relaxing you.
8.) Stretching
Stretching to help release the muscle tension is a great way to help improve your back pain as you begin to age. Stretching is also something you should be doing anyway as you age, as the benefits of stretching will help ensure you’re not becoming stiff and weak from inactivity.
9.) Yoga
Yoga may be a great way to help increase strength, reduce inflammation, ease back pain, and make some friends!
10.) Swimming
With swimming, you have virtually no added pressure on your muscles and joints, making it one of the best exercises to do as an elderly individual.
11.) Walking
Walking helps to ensure our bodies remain mobile, agile, and aligned. Walking helps to recalibrate the neck, back, and spine. Everyone should aim to walk for at least thirty minutes per day, as this will allow the body to do what it’s intended to do; move.
12.) Massage Therapy
Regular massages can help improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Massage therapy is great for breaking up scar tissue from past injuries and helps release tension over time which may be contributing to your back pain.
13.) Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help alleviate pain through stimulation of specific points in the body, producing more blood flow and relieving tension.
14.) Pain Management Medications
Over-the-counter medications can help reduce back pain in a pinch, but they shouldn’t be looked at as a one-stop solution. It’s important to have a proper diagnosis of your back pain which determines the root cause.
15.) Pain Management Therapies
Our in-house pain management clinic cna help your back pain with a variety of therapies, injections, and stimulations to reduce or eliminate pain which will allow you to rebuild strength through physical therapy.
What if Nothing is Helping?
If you’ve tried all of the above, and nothing is helping your back pain, you’ll want to contact us to schedule an appointment. We can then determine exactly what’s going on and treat the underlying issue.
Contact Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants Today
Our team of experts is here to help you overcome your back pain. Schedule your appointment today using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by a member of our amazing medical team. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to have you back on track to great health once again!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.