The body’s natural aging process can lead to various issues, particularly in the joints. The spine is a natural hotspot for age-related problems since it has one of the most intricate joint systems in human anatomy. Back muscles, bones, and cartilage deteriorate and deteriorate with time, which can cause excruciating pain, stiffness, immobility, and discomfort. Making a treatment plan that works for you should start with determining the reason for your San Antonio back pain.
1. Spinal disk degeneration
Your joints no longer have the same capacity to self-lubricate and cushion as they previously did as you age. When moving, spinal disks, which act as cushions for the spine, lose their capacity to withstand pressure and stress. Therefore, they start to deteriorate and lose their ability to support the spinal column, resulting in pinched nerves, muscular spasms, and inflammation, all of which cause pain and stiffness.
2. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a prevalent aging condition that develops when the bones lose density and grow brittle and weak, increasing the possibility of fractures and restricting mobility. Particularly among postmenopausal women, this is widespread. Although osteoporosis by itself does not cause back pain, it can lead to other issues that can be pretty uncomfortable for older adults. A spinal compression fracture, which develops when the bones of the spine degenerate or collapse, can be brought on by osteoporosis and occur in the back. A condition known as hyperkyphosis, or an abnormal curvature of the spine, can result from these fractures.
3. Osteoarthritis
The most prevalent form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA), is naturally one of the leading causes of back discomfort in older adults. Million adult Americans are affected by it, with most of them being over 50. When the cartilage in the joints degrades, it affects the bones and causes OA. Severe pain, soreness, edema, and stiffness in the lower back are common in people with OA in the spine.
4. Spinal infection
The spine is prone to infections like any other body area, leading to spinal instability and excruciating pain. Bacterial infections are the most prevalent type of infection; other possible causes include fungi, TB, and viruses. For instance, staph infections brought on by the staphylococcus bacteria can infect the spine. However, they are not typical and may be handled with strong antibiotics. Spinal infections are far more common in older persons than in the general population, especially those with diabetes and impaired immune systems.
5. Spondylolisthesis
A disorder known as spondylolisthesis happens when one of the vertebrae in your spine slips forward and out of position, generally onto the bone below it. Chronic pain may be brought on by the vertebrae pressing on nerves. Numbness, muscular spasms, constricted hamstrings, lower back discomfort and stiffness, leg pain, and trouble walking are among the most apparent signs of this illness.
No matter how old you are, persistent back pain does not have to be unrelenting. Relief could be closer than you think as technology and treatment choices improve and become more widely available as you age! The best way to ensure that you enjoy your older years is to identify the source of your back pain and create a personalized therapy plan. Call Castle Hills Family Practice or book your appointment online to determine which back pain therapy is right for you.
