Expert Contributor Written by Marc Belitsky, D.C., D.A.C.R.B. Broomall Total Health Center
The Generation of Degenerative Back Pain
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ext time you’re out, look to the person on your left and right. You may notice their rolled shoulders and head forward posture. No, it’s not due to the cell phone they have in their hands and are staring intently at; it’s their nowadapted postures that have become the absolute norm due to phones and other electronic devices. Although we are way ahead in technology, our generation is unfortunately leading the way in spinal degeneration, arthritis and chronic illnesses. Lower back pain is now so common that it affects almost 90% of adults.
back). Between the spinal vertebrae are intervertebral discs that act as spacers and shock absorbers. With age, injury or poor posture, these discs often lose their hydration and elasticity, which decreases their ability to handle all the load-bearing forces of daily activity. As the discs get thin, changes occur in the relative position of the vertebrae and the connective tissues throughout the spine. Over time, the thinning of the discs and loss of disc space often results in increased pain and decreased mobility. This pattern of degeneration can ultimately lead to microfractures and cartilage injury. Although the body tries to replace and repair the damage, it is often insufficient to overcome the degenerative process without assistance.
Your spine is composed of vertebrae, classified into three regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower
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Might I Have Arthritis? The classic symptomatology of arthritis includes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. As with most forms of osteoarthritis, the most pronounced symptoms are pain and stiffness in the morning. In general, if there’s no evidence of nerve root compromise, pain from an arthritic spine is localized with possible dull aching. If the degeneration of the spine continues into a diagnosis of spinal stenosis, patients may experience numbness, tingling or weakness in their legs, due to irritation of the lumbar nerve roots. Available Treatment Options Lumbar arthritis and back pain are usually responsive to conservative management. During an acute attack of back pain, do two things: (1) Avoid activities that aggravate the symptoms; (2) Reduce inflammation by alternating heat/cold packs and gently stretch the area. For long-term relief, you must make lifestyle modifications. This includes weight loss, to reduce the tremendous impact on your back as it bears the weight of your upper body and your head. Exercise is also critical because it will contribute to reducing weight while increasing flexibility
