[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/03\/age-related-spine-problems\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/03\/age-related-spine-problems\/","headline":"Age-Related Spine Problems","name":"Age-Related Spine Problems","description":"Learn more about age-related spine conditions, including disc herniation and spinal stenosis, and discover how you can find relief from back pain","datePublished":"2015-03-16","dateModified":"2024-01-04","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","name":"UPMC Orthopaedic Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/orthopaedics-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/orthopaedic-surgery\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/older-man-back-pain.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/older-man-back-pain.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/03\/age-related-spine-problems\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Orthopaedics","Spine Health"],"wordCount":439,"keywords":["age-related problems","arthritis","disc herniation","herniated disc","James Kang MD","osteoporosis","physical therapy","spine"],"articleBody":"Many of us incorporate an exercise routine into our daily lives. But as you age, do these routines reduce your risk of becoming susceptible to spine-related problems?According to UPMC orthopaedic surgeon\u00a0Vincent Silvaggio, MD, the answer is yes.\u201cMaintaining a healthy weight,\u00a0practicing good posture, eating a healthy diet, and exercising on a routine basis are all good things we can do for our backs,\u201d Dr. Silvaggio says.Dr. Silvaggio says some normal wear and tear occurs over time, but you can help protect yourself by being mindful of certain illnesses and injuries.Degenerative DiscsYour spine is made of bones called vertebrae. They are stacked on top of each other, with a disc in between to provide cushioning. But over time, these discs can get worn down, causing your bones to rub against each other. This can lead to stiffness and intermittent back pain.Spinal StenosisAs your discs degenerate, they cause narrowing of the open spaces within your spine (the spinal canal). This may cause pressure to develop on your spinal cord and \u201cpinch\u201d your nerves. Stenosis may result in low back pain, but it also can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs.Deteriorated Joints (Arthritis)Arthritis is a common problem for many older adults. Not only can it afflict your hands, knees, or hips, but also the bones that make up your spine.Frail Vertebrae (Osteoporosis)As you age, you lose bone density and may develop\u00a0osteoporosis, even more so if you\u2019re a woman. The bones in your back become frail, and fractures can happen more easily. Bone density tests can alert you and your doctor to an impending problem.Finding Relief from Spinal ProblemsIf you\u2019re suffering from pain, even if you think the cause is aging, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can review your treatment options. Some problems can be alleviated with medications, injections, or physical therapy. Others may require surgery.Although surgical intervention remains the last resort, advances in surgical techniques are making spinal surgery less frightening for patients. Fortunately, pain due to disc degeneration or arthritis can be treated without surgery. But for those suffering from spinal stenosis, surgery can greatly alleviate disabling symptoms in select patients.Minimally invasive techniques can offer shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times, fewer complications, and lower costs.UPMC\u2019s spine experts treat various spinal conditions to your spine. This includes complex traumatic injuries, back surgeries for chronic pain, and congenital and acquired spinal conditions. Visit our spine services website\u00a0or call 1-866-987-6784.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on March 16, 2015, and was last reviewed on August 29, 2018."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2015","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"03","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/\/03\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Age-Related Spine Problems","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2015\/03\/age-related-spine-problems\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]