Common spinal problems encountered in old age

While there is the possibility that problems with one’s spine can come at any age, Dr. Joseph Yazdi believes that a huge percentage of these issues emerge during the senior stage. It’s only natural though, through decades of wear and tear, that the bones of a person, including the ones that comprise the spinal column, weaken.

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No matter how careful a person is, he can delay the effects of aging only for so long. The discs of the vertebrae will inevitably wear out after years of rubbing against one another. The spaces between these discs narrow and cause back pain, which many people start to experience in their mid-40s. The pain though, worsens over the next 20 years.

Here are some common spinal issues senior citizens experience.

Spinal arthritis

Arthritis is extremely common in adults as it affects the joints and bones of the body. This includes the spine. Arthritis can be treated by pain relievers, but more severe cases may require surgery.

Osteoporosis

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Osteoporosis or the loss of bone density is another common issue arising in old age. In this condition, bones become brittle and break easily. This is why a simple slip or fall for seniors may cause fractures, which may not have occurred during their younger years.

Spinal stenosis

As mentioned earlier, there are spaces between the discs of the spinal column. When the spaces close, it causes friction between the discs leading to pain. As is the case of with patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis.

An accomplished neurosurgeon, Dr. Joseph Yazdi is an alumnus of Drexel University College of Medicine and took his internship at Hahnemann University Hospital. Today, he specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management by placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS) in selected patients. For similar reads, visit this blog.

More proven ways to manage chronic pain

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Chronic pain can make you feel miserable, as it is debilitating and lasts for over several months, usually between three to six months. According to a survey done by the National Health Interview in 2012, about 25.3 million Americans experience everyday pain for three straight months, with almost 40 million adults go through severe pain. And these numbers continue to increase as we head to the 2020s, says chronic spine pain surgeon Joseph Yazdi, M.D.


One method of managing chronic pain that is taken for granted is exercising. It’s actually one of the best ways to deal with chronic pain, as staying active increases the levels of dopamine and endorphins and builds up tissue oxygen. You feel pain less while also having improved moods and better sleep. Of course, exercise can sometimes increase discomfort, so make sure to first see your doctor or physical therapist to help you establish the correct regimen.

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Another proven way to aid in chronic pain relief is doing yoga. Chronic pain can be so bad that it disrupts the way you think and affect your cognition and emotions. Doing yoga will have the opposite effect, as the meditation and postures it promotes reduce pain perception and alleviates feelings of anxiety, fatigue, and depression.

Something very simple that you can add to your diet is turmeric. Turmeric can prove very helpful in boosting overall health, including cognitive function and relief from chronic pain. This is because turmeric contains the anti-inflammatory compound called curcumin. Modern clinical evidence points to it being very effective in reducing both inflammation and pain, including the treatment of arthritis. It would do you better—if not well—by adding a sprinkle of turmeric to your meals, Dr. Joseph Yazdi advises.

Joseph Yazdi, M.D., is an accomplished neurosurgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management by placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS) in selected patients. Visit this blog for similar posts.

Common spine problems in elderly people

Aging is a natural process whose effects will be felt by anyone, regardless of lifestyle. Proper diet and exercise can slow down the effects of aging, but only to a certain extent.

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Spinal conditions are often associated with the aging process. According to Dr. Joseph Yazdi, a spine specialist, spinal conditions in elderly people are common and can turn severe if left unchecked or untreated. Here are some of the most common spinal problems found in elderly people.

Osteoporosis

More common in women than men, osteoporosis is the result of decreasing bone mass. The lack of mass from protein and minerals like calcium can leave the bones brittle and prone to fracture. In most cases, the chance of acquiring osteoporosis can be reduced by improving protein and calcium intake early.

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Spinal fractures and hyperkyphosis 

Spinal fractures are a common type of osteoporotic fracture which can sometimes mimic the symptoms of other diseases. Meanwhile, hyperkyphosis are posture conditions brought about by spinal fractures. People who suffer from hyperkyphosis and spinal fractures often experience a nagging back pain significantly affecting comfort levels.

Disc degeneration

The structural strength and integrity of the spine diminishes as we age. This has a corresponding effect on discs, bones, ligaments, joints, and nerves. When this happens, certain parts of the spinal column could be misaligned, resulting in pressure exerted on the nerves and subsequently, pain. While Dr. Joseph Yazdi could propose certain non-surgical treatments for pain relief, the degraded state of the spinal column has only limited healing capacity and could require particular treatment plans.

Dr. Joseph Yazdi specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management through placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS, or SCS) in selected patients. Over the years, he has also published several studies on neurosurgical best practice. For more information on spinal health, visit this website.

The curious connection between the spine and knee

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Dr. Joseph Yazdi has seen enough patients with spinal problems to know that when the spine is affected, there is a huge possibility that other parts of the body are as well. He notes that in professional sports, many team physicians and physical therapists often consult with spinal surgeons, especially if chronic pain emerges without injury.


One body part, in particular, has a curious connection with back pain – the knee. Spine specialists often mention how the nerves of the muscles surrounding a person’s knees can be found in a person’s back. This is why it’s not impossible for malfunctioning knees to be caused by problems originating in the back, specifically the spine.

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Dr. Joseph Yazdi also mentions low-level nerve irritation, which can affect how the muscles around the knees work, creating a dangerous series of movements for the all-important joint in the area. He also believes that there can be perhaps a simpler diagnosis – referred pain. After all, it has been observed in the past that pinched nerves from bulging lumbar discs can send signals of pain all the way down the nerve, ending in the knee.

For these reasons, Dr. Yazdi always recommends people experiencing back discomfort to see a specialist immediately. What may seem like ordinary back issues may be a prelude to pain in the knees, pain that may hinder a person’s mobility.

Dr. Joseph Yazdi specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management by placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS, or SCS) in selected patients. Over the years, he has also published several studies on neurosurgical best practice. For more insightful reads on spine health, visit this page.

Health and treatment: How to treat a slipped disc

 A slipped disc or a herniated disc can develop over time as a function of aging. This occurs when the spinal disc loses water, becomes brittle, and is displaced. When this happens, the nerves within the spinal column are subjected to significant amounts of pressure, creating sensations like pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. Here are some ways to treat a slipped disc:


Conservative treatment is a standard treatment which includes avoiding positions which put stress on the affected area. This is coupled with proper medication and exercise regimens that last anywhere from several days to weeks.

Several types of medication are prescribed depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually prescribed for people experiencing mild pain. However, if the pain persists, stronger narcotics may be prescribed. Do take note that such medications could come with side effects such as sedation, nausea, constipation, and confusion.

In rare occasions, anticonvulsants are prescribed for people who may suffer seizures during their treatment. This is to make sure that the slipped disc isn’t subjected to further stress. For patients experiencing muscle spasms, muscle relaxers are usually prescribed.

Physical therapy is another treatment patients seek when medication fails to improve their condition. This treatment shows patients proper positions and exercises that can minimize the pain of a slipped disc.

Lastly, there’s the surgical option. It is very rare for patients who suffer from slipped disc to undergo surgery. Those who do usually treat this method as a last resort. People undergo surgery if there is already a big risk of paralysis or nerve damage.

Dr. Joseph Yazdi specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management by placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS, or SCS)in selected patients. Over the years, he has also published several studies on neurosurgical best practice. For more updates on spine health, follow this Twitter account.

Ways to alleviate chronic back pain

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Chronic back pain is a debilitating ailment that heavily affects daily activities. According to the American Chiropractic Association, chronic back pain is responsible for 264 million lost work days in a year, and that 80 percent of the population suffers from back pain at least once in their lives. Here are some effective ways to alleviate chronic back pain.


Take prescribed pain killers from your doctor. While it’s easy to grab generic pain killers from the pharmacy, it is always better to consult your doctor about proper back pain medication. Once your doctor has examined your spine and the possible causes of chronic pain, he or she will prescribe medication to ease the pain.

Physical therapy. Consulting a physical therapist will educate you on proper posture and keeping your spine in proper shape to lessen back pain. Therapists will teach you how to sit, stand, and move in ways that will nurture the spine and spare it from stress. Physical therapy also helps patients strengthen the core and improve flexibility, two of the main bodily functions easing back pain.

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Constantly stretch and consider workspace ergonomics. Avoid sitting slumped on your desk, especially if you are working for long stretches of hours daily. Most people bend forward while working, which can cause serious back ailments. If you can, walk around and stretch every hour for an improved blood circulation and invest in a working chair that will keep your spine comfortable.

Dr. Joseph Yazdi specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, motion preservation through total disc replacement, and chronic pain management by placement of dorsal column stimulator (DCS, or SCS) in selected patients. For more articles like this, visit this page.