Especially as you get older, it’s common to experience back problems. Your back is made up of a lot of complicated moving parts, and your spine supports your body mass as you stand, sit, and move. Because of this, you might take a lot of risks with your back over the course of a lifetime. That’s why people say that when it comes to back pain, the problem isn’t always the years — it's the mileage.
If you’re starting to feel back pain, our experienced care team at Ani Medical Group of Hazlet and Old Bridge, New Jersey, can support you through all of your issues and concerns. Thankfully, you can also take steps to avoid pain and decrease the chances of more serious problems. Here’s a look at some of them.
As you age, the discs of your spine, which are gel-like cushions that rest between your spinal bones, can start to break down. Conditions like osteoarthritis or arthritis of the spine might also leave you aching. Most commonly, muscle weakness or strain can lead to persistent or recurring back pain. Severe pain may indicate a more serious problem, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment.
The best way to maintain your back health throughout your entire life is to keep your body in good shape. Get regular exercise to keep your muscles strong and your joints flexible, and eat a healthy diet to keep your weight down. Every pound of added weight gain increases the stress on your system, raising your likelihood of dealing with aches and pains in the latter part of your life.
People tend to start noticing aches and pains in their back between the ages of 40 and 60, but maintaining good health in the earlier decades of your life can minimize your risks of dealing with pain later on. It's never too late to start developing better exercise and eating habits.
Over the course of a lifetime, you might also accumulate injuries, strains, or stresses that can leave you with ongoing back problems. While keeping your back strong and maintaining your overall health will help you deal with these issues as they arise, you might end up needing specialized treatment or care. Depending on your needs, you might be prescribed medications, injections, surgery, or physical therapy to resolve your back pain issues.
If your back pain is acute, or if you're worried about supporting your back as you age, make an appointment with Ani Medical Group today. Our team, led by board-certified orthopaedic and spine surgeon Nasser Ani, MD, FACS, FRCS(C), can help you develop a plan to address your unique needs. Call our Hazlet or Old Bridge offices, or request an appointment online.
