We don’t want you to slow down just because you’re getting older. Staying active and getting regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body at any age, but it can be hard to stay active if you’re dealing with chronic or severe back pain. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at some of the most common spine issues that affect active older adults, and perhaps more importantly, we touch on some of the best ways to treat these conditions.
Back Problems In Active Older Adults
If back pain is slowing you down or affecting your performance on the golf course or the Pickleball court, you’re not alone. There are a number of different spinal issues that tend to affect active older adults. Here’s a look at some of the most common back problems among this population:
- Herniated Discs – Herniated discs tend to be more common in older adults who have experienced more natural disc degeneration as a result of the aging process. When our discs lose some of their normal height, they become more prone to shifting out of place. Combined with forceful movements like bending and twisting that you might experience during physical activity, and it’s easy to see why herniated discs can slow down active seniors.
- Treatment – Rest, posture improvements and physical therapy can all help a disc shift back to a healthy position, but for recurrent or severe disc herniations, a minimally invasive corrective procedure may be best.
- Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear form of arthritis, and it can affect any joint in your body. However, due to the stress we put on our back during activity or as a result of bad posture habits, it’s not uncommon for osteoarthritis to develop in the facet joints in your spine. These facet joints act as a bridge between vertebral sections, and if osteoarthritis leads to joint degeneration, spinal movement can become painful and inhibit your ability to stay active.
- Treatment – You’re not going to be able to reverse joint degeneration, but you can help to control it and limit its progression with the help of regular exercise, stretching techniques, a healthy diet, weight loss and improved posture habits.
- Spinal Stenosis – Spinal stenosis is a back issue that involves a narrowing of the canal through which key spinal nerves pass. When this area narrows, spinal nerves can become compressed, leading to a host of symptoms. Natural aging is the leading cause of spinal stenosis, but herniated discs and osteoarthritis can also contribute to the condition, and since those conditions are on this list, spinal stenosis should be considered an issue that affects active seniors.
- Treatment – Spinal stenosis tends to respond well to conservative treatments like physical therapy, weight loss and posture improvements, but minimally invasive decompression procedures are also available for patients who need more hands-on care.
- Spondylolisthesis – Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebrae slips out of place and ends up touching the vertebrae below it. This slipped vertebrae can end up putting pressure on nearby spinal nerves, leading to pain or shooting discomfort. Spondylolisthesis tends to be more likely to occur in individuals who pursue athletics that put increased pressure on the lumbar spine. Aging also increases the risk that a vertebrae will slip out of place, so it’s easy to see how spondylolisthesis can develop in active older adults.
- Treatment – Rest, posture improvements and targeted physical therapy are common treatment combinations for patients suffering from spondylolisthesis.
Don’t let any of these back conditions get in the way of living a long and active life. If you’re dealing with any of these conditions, or you’re interested in figuring out what’s causing discomfort in your spine, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and the team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
