3 Groups Of People At Higher Risk Of Back Problems

Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi

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If you have a family history or a genetic predisposition to a certain ailment, you want to be informed so you can make smart choices and keep tabs on that aspect of your health. Demographic predispositions to certain health issues are no different, and there are a number of groups that are at a higher than average risk for back problems through no fault of their own. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at three groups of people who are at a heightened risk for spine issues.

Back Problems – Who Is At Risk?

You want to take steps every day to help reduce your risk of developing a spine issue or chronic back pain, but that’s especially true if you fall into one of these three groups.

  • Senior Citizens – As you get closer to retirement, your risk of spinal problems increases pretty significantly. That’s because a lot of spinal problems are a result of slow degeneration to key areas in our spine. Our spinal discs help absorb stress as we move, and over the decades even small amounts of stress can add up. When discs break down, they are most likely to shift out of place, compress nerves or lead to vertebral column shifting, all of which can lead to spine pain. There’s not a lot you can do to prevent the natural aging process, so it’s important to work hard towards keeping your spine healthy in other ways, with exercise, a smart diet and avoiding repetitive strain on your spine.
  • Women – Another group of individuals who should keep an eye on their spine health are women. Women can develop back problems for a few different reasons. For starters, any woman who has given birth has experienced numerous muscular and pelvic changes, and eventually, this can lead to prolonged back pain even after you’re done having kids. But even if they aren’t mothers, women are at an increased risk for back issues because they are a group at an elevated risk for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. These two conditions can wreak havoc on your spine, so your need to be mindful of warding off these problems. Get daily exercise, maintain a healthy weight and talk to your doctor about any discomfort you’re feeling in your back.
  • Overweight – Of the list, this is the most controllable of the three groups who are at an elevated risk for back pain, so you can take some solace that if you’re in this category, you have a greater ability to make lifestyle changes and reduce your risk. Similar to how physical stress can cause problems for your spine when you’re older, excess weight can speed up this process because your body has to handle more pressure with every step you take. Even just losing a few pounds can take a lot of stress off your spine, which can really reduce your risk of spinal disc issues and nerve damage. Managing your calorie count and getting regular exercise can all help you reach an ideal weight and in turn reduce your risk of developing spine problems that are linked to your weight.

For more information on how to prevent these potential problems or reduce your risk of injury, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi and his experienced medical team today.

 

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