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.

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.

Image source: health.harvard.edu

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.

Image source: spineuniverse.com

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.