A Guide to Managing Back Pain As You Age

Back pain is a common health issue that affects people of all ages. Most visits to the doctor today are due to persistent back pain. While these cases are from a wide demographic, they sometimes lean toward older people. Back pain tends to become more common as you age because of bodily changes. Also, the lifestyle you have over your youth affects the development of back issues. 
 

As you age, you will lose muscle tone and see weakened bones. These cause strain and weakness in your overall musculoskeletal structure. Additionally, aging affects the spine directly by causing the loss of spinal fluid in the vertebral discs. While changes due to age may be inevitable, you can take steps to improve the performance of your spine. 

Primary Causes of Back Pain
 

Back pain can develop due to various reasons, but the most prevalent causes of back pain for people over 50 are:
 

• Degenerative Disc Issues
   

The spine comprises vertebrae bones with soft disc cushions between them. The cushions work as shock absorbers to stop the bones from grinding on each other. The cushions contain a fluid that allows them to maintain their shock-absorbing capacity.
 

• Spinal Stenosis

The narrowing of the spinal canal characterizes this condition. It is common in people with arthritic facet joints, thickened ligaments, or degenerative discs.
 

• Spondylolisthesis
   

Sometimes, a vertebra can shift outwards and onto the one below it.

How to Manage Back Pain As You Age

• Physical Activity
   

Physical activity is one of the best methods to help manage back pain. The more active you are, the better your body works. But if your back pain persists or worsens after some activity, you must see a doctor.
 

• Physical Therapy
   

One of the best ways to ensure you get better spine health is by visiting a professional. Physical therapists can prescribe exercises that will restore the health of your back. The exercises will improve your back's flexibility, balance, and strength. Stronger abdominal and core muscles lead to a more robust back. 
 

• Diet
   

You are what you eat. This statement is true when it comes to your health and even your spine. An unhealthy diet full of refined sugars and processed foods leads to inflammation in the body. Inflammation can cause back pain to become persistent. Also, maintaining a healthy weight will help ensure your back does not have undue pressure. 
 

• Medication
   

Some medications like NSAIDs can help reduce inflammation-related pain. Sometimes, taking the medication for five to ten days, even after the pain subsides, can help keep the pain at bay. 
 

• Heat and Cold
   

Another way to help manage back pain is using a heat or cold compress. An ice pack or a pack of frozen peas on your back at intervals of 20 minutes will help reduce the pain. A hot bath or heating pad will help relax back muscles and relieve pain.
 

For more on managing back pain as you age, visit Brookdale Health, Experts in Auto Injuries, at our office in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Call (763) 561-4045 to book an appointment today.