Is Spinal Stenosis Inevitable as We Grow Older?
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This narrowing puts pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that travel through the spine, causing numerous symptoms. Commonly located in the neck and lower back, spinal stenosis is a condition that is mainly caused by everyday stresses that wear down the spine structure. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, spinal stenosis often occurs in adults over 60, and people usually notice symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50.
Although spinal stenosis is mainly caused by age-related wear and tear, there are other contributing factors. The information below will provide insight into how spinal stenosis can be prevented as an age-related condition. Not everyone will need to succumb to the effects of an aging body.
What are the Causes of Spinal Stenosis?
While age is a risk factor for spinal stenosis, it is also caused by other factors such as spinal injuries, herniated disks, overgrowth of the bone, arthritis, and other conditions.
Symptoms of spinal stenosis can include neck and back pain, difficulty walking, numbness in hands or legs, and impaired bladder or bowel control is experienced in more severe cases. These symptoms can start as minor aches and pains and gradually develop into chronic pain.
Since many of the symptoms of spinal stenosis are similar to other spinal conditions that involve spinal compression, it can be hard to distinguish one condition from the other.
If you are suffering from any of the conditions associated with spinal stenosis or you’re worried you may have spinal stenosis, try our Free Condition Check Tool to determine the cause and help us diagnose your condition.
How Can You Prevent an Aging Spine?
Although there is currently no known fountain of youth that can prevent the aging process, there are, however, ways in which you can keep your body and spine healthy. Creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle now will reduce your risk of developing spinal stenosis. The following is a list of ways you can maintain a healthy spine:
- Stretch your muscles with yoga practice
- Walk at least 30-minutes daily
- Lift object properly to avoid back injury and strain
- Check your posture often to reduce muscle stress
- Get massages to help relax muscles and reduce tension
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid tobacco to reduce health risks
- Exercise daily and increase optimal health benefits
Using any or all of the above lifestyle choices will protect your overall health and reduce your risk of health problems.
Connect with Experienced Doctors at Orthopedic & Laser Spine
If the neck and back pain you are experiencing is not alleviated with the healthy activities listed above, treatment options are available for you. Pain and discomfort in your body do not have to be a part of your everyday life.
The award-winning doctors at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery can help guide you through the diagnosis process and help you find the best treatment plan for your condition. Give us a call at (855) 853-6542 or complete our contact form for information on how we’re able to help you.