3 Treatments That Work Fast to Relieve Herniated Disc Pain
Is pain from your herniated disc keeping you from your active life? Find out more about what treatments we offer that work fast to relieve your herniated disc pain.
Is Spinal Stenosis a Normal Part of Aging?
Back pain is a common complaint, especially as you get older. However, the cause of the pain can vary.
One prevalent culprit is spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal. While age-related spinal degeneration can contribute to spinal stenosis, the condition isn’t a normal part of the aging process.
At Orthopedic & Wellness in Frederick, Waldorf, and Germantown, Maryland, Dr. Ojedapo Ojeyemi and Dr. Matthew Roh diagnose and treat spinal stenosis.
With up to 95% of people experiencing age-related degenerative spine changes by the time they reach age 50, it’s natural to have concerns about your risk of developing spinal stenosis as you get older. Let’s take a closer look at this spine condition and how age factors in.
About spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal, the space that’s home to the spinal cord, narrows. The narrowing may affect any part of the spine, but it usually occurs in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) spine.
Without enough space, the discs and bones that make up the spine may press or irritate the spinal cord or spinal nerves, causing symptoms like lower back or neck pain, along with numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.
The aging spine
The structure of your spine undergoes degenerative changes as you get older. However, these changes don’t automatically lead to spinal stenosis.
The spongy discs that separate the bones in the spine, intervertebral discs, dry out with age, causing them to shrink. These changes affect spine spacing and alignment. The ligaments that connect the vertebral bones thicken and stiffen, making the spine less flexible. Some people may also develop vertebral fractures that affect spinal spacing due to osteoporosis.
Though these age-related changes affect spacing, the result isn’t necessarily spinal stenosis.
Other spinal stenosis risk factors
Age is the top risk factor for spinal stenosis, but other factors may lead to the chronic spinal condition. You’re more likely to develop narrowing in the spine if you:
- Experienced a previous spine injury
- Have a history of back surgery
- Were born with a narrower spinal canal
Any of these issues could increase your risk for spinal stenosis.
Protecting your spine
While aging is beyond your control, taking proactive steps to improve the health of your spine may reduce your risk of developing spinal stenosis.
Incorporating some of the following healthy habits can help protect your spine:
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding heavy lifting
- Eating a balanced diet
- Minding your posture
- Not smoking
Back and neck pain are common and usually resolve on their own over time. However, if you have pain that’s not improving or that’s getting worse, it’s time to reach out for help. You can have spinal stenosis without symptoms, but when they do appear, they tend to progress over time.
Call Orthopedic & Wellness today or book an appointment online. Our orthopedic and pain management experts can find the source of your discomfort and develop an effective treatment plan.
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