Aging is natural and inevitable. With age, the body undergoes several changes; these changes are physical, mental, emotional and physiological. Changes in the spine are no exception. Tracking changes you experience with age is essential, as timely detection can help prevent major issues and discomfort. Although aging is inevitable and spine health can decrease, you can exercise daily and maintain a good routine to mitigate the risks and age-related diseases. As you age, visiting the best neurosurgeon in Ludhiana for early detection and treatment of age-related spine diseases is essential.
Common Age-Related Changes In Spine
The spine undergoes different changes in the body, such as:
- Disc degeneration
- Bone changes
- Joint degeneration
- Loss of muscle mass and strength
- Postural changes
- Decreased healing capacity
- Nerve compression
For efficient management of age-related spine issues, you must make lifestyle modifications, maintain a healthy weight, practice proper posture and implement pain management strategies such as medication, physical therapies, and injections. In some cases, surgical intervention may also be suggested by the best Neurologist in Punjab to address severe symptoms and structural abnormalities.
4 Common Conditions Related To Spine Aging
Let us discuss four typical aging spine-related conditions in detail. These conditions are as follows:
Osteoporosis and Compression Fractures
In Osteoporosis, bone density decreases. As a result, the bone becomes fragile and is more susceptible to features. In this condition, minerals in the bone are reduced, weakening the bone structure. This condition particularly affects the spine, hips, and wrists. Compression fractures, especially in the vertebrates of the spine, are a common consequence of Osteoporosis. Some risk factors that result in the development of Osteoporosis include old age, gender (generally female), low body weight, family history with Osteoporosis, medications (such as corticosteroids) and lifestyle factors like excessive smoking and drinking. For proper treatment, visit the best Neurosurgeon in Ludhiana.
Osteoarthritis and Related Conditions
It is a common form of arthritis due to degeneration of cartilage in the joints. It causes pain, stiffness and decreased mobility. Although osteoarthritis affects the joints, it can also cause or lead to other related conditions and complications. It can cause joint pain and stiffness, deformity, bone spurs, instability, reduced range of motion, muscle weakness, secondary conditions (such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and depression) and joint inflammation.
Spinal Stenosis
The narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerve roots and also on the spinal cord is called spinal stenosis. Various spine areas, such as the cervical (neck) and the lumbar (lower back region), can get narrowed. It can be present by birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired). Developing stenosis later is common. Different factors can cause the narrowing of the spine, such as degenerative changes, herniated discs, thickened ligaments, and congenital factors. Its symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness, difficulty in walking, bladder dysfunction, and tingling sensation. Visit Neurologist in Punjab for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Herniated or Ruptured Lumbar Disc
It refers to a condition in which the soft inner material of the spinal disc comes out through a tear or weakness in the outer layer of the disc. This condition is also called bulging disc, slipped disc, or disc prolapse. It is caused due to degenerative changes, trauma, aging, and genetics. Its key symptoms include back pain, sciatica, weakness, numbness, tingling sensation, and pain during certain movements such as coughing, sneezing, and bending forward. Consult an expert neurosurgeon for reliable treatments and relief.
Conclusion
Due to aging, the body experiences many changes, including the spine. The body’s healing power reduces with age, and muscles weaken. As a result, you develop health issues and spine-related diseases. Some common spine-related diseases include spinal stenosis, Osteoporosis, degenerative disc and herniated disc, among many others. By consulting with the best neurosurgeon in Ludhiana, you can detect problems accurately in the early stages and get reliable treatments.