Do This If You Want to Avoid Spine Problems Later On

Spine issues affect most adults at some point, and pain is a common consequence. As years pass, your risk of such problems increases. While about 28% of adults under age 30 experience back pain, over 45% of adults aged 65 or older do.

Regardless of your age, spine problems don’t have to be inevitable. You may not be able to completely avoid them, but you can take steps to avoid serious and painful problems.

Dr. Nicholas Perenich and his team at Spine Institute of Florida in Dade City and Spring Hill diagnose and treat spine problems, including disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and chronic pain.

Common age-related spine problems

Spine conditions can crop up at most any age, but numerous factors associated with aging make them more likely from middle age on. The discs in your spine, for example, start to dry out with increasing age and provide less cushion for your bones. Aging can also make way for reduced bone density, nerve pain, and weaker ligaments in your spine.

As a result, spine conditions that become more likely later on include:

Chronic low back pain
Degenerative disc disease
Herniated or ruptured discs
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Spinal stenosis

Older age is also linked with a heightened risk for car accidents, which commonly result in back injuries and lingering pain.

How to avoid spine problems later on

Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, 60s, or beyond, you can lower your risk for spine problems. To protect your back, consider the following practices.

Improve your posture

Aim to position your back straight, versus slouched, when you’re sitting or standing. When you’re seated at a desk, keep your back against the chair’s back and your feet flat on the floor.

Lift heavy items properly

To prevent a herniated disc when you’re lifting a hefty object, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Then primarily bend your knees, versus your waist or back, and lift the item slowly.

Exercise regularly

Staying active promotes healthy blood flow to your spine and keeps the area flexible and strong. Aim for 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise, such as hiking or dancing, per week. Strength training or yoga a couple of times per week can help, too.

Eat a healthy diet

Healthy foods provide energy and nutrients your spine needs to function. Without enough calcium and vitamin D, your spinal bones can really suffer. Most adults need 1,000-1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day, which is equal to about three servings of low-fat milk, yogurt, or cooked greens. Adults also need 600 international units (IU) vitamin D daily, which is prevalent in salmon, egg yolks, and fortified cereals.

Getting professional spine support

If you’re experiencing spine issues, Dr. Perenich and his team can determine the underlying cause and whether you need treatment. They can also recommend appropriate lifestyle changes to help keep you and your spine healthy.

To learn more about spine problem prevention or to get the care you need, call Spine Institute of Florida or schedule an appointment through our website today.