As we age, our bodies degrade. The back is one of the most utilized parts of the body. As a result, it sees a lot of wear and tear. In this article we’ll explore why exactly back pain increases as we age.

Aging

Here are a few conditions that can cause back pain (especially in older patients):

• Spinal disc degeneration – general wearing of the discs in the spine.
• Spinal stenosis – in which the nerve roots in the spine are compressed causing pain, numbness, and weakness.
• Osteoarthritis – in which joint cartilage wears out, causing vertebrae to rub up against one another.

These conditions can come in conjunction with back injuries. For example, a person with osteoarthritis is more likely to sustain a back injury due to a slip and fall accident. Genetics can also play a role in degrading back conditions over time.

Prevention Tips

Some of the causes of back pain over time are inevitable. You cannot completely halt the degeneration of your body. However, there are some things you can do to keep your spine as healthy as possible for as long as possible. Here are a few tips:

• Exercise. Keep your body in good condition by regularly exercising and stretching.
• Nutrition. Maintain a healthy diet. Certain foods (especially sugary junk food) can increase the degradation of the spine, while milk can help fend off onset arthritis and osteoporosis.
• Treat Spinal Pain as it Occurs. Deal with any back pain as it occurs. Don’t just put up with the pain and delay treatment. This will likely delay the inevitable and worsen your pain.
• Posture. Do your best to maintain good posture at all times.

There is nothing you can do to avoid it – your body will break down as you age. But following these tips can slow the degradation process and help keep your back in good shape.

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