Older Adult & Low Back Pain

Older Adult & Low Back Pain

 It is true that low back pain is a common problem that affects most of us at some point in our lives. The first step to managing low back pain is to stop the activity that caused it, if possible. This can help prevent further damage and allow the body to begin healing itself .

In older adults, disk-related pain is typically NOT from the soft liquid center herniating through the tough outer “annular” layer as it does in younger patients. Rather, it’s from a combination of conditions that result in narrowing of the openings through which the nerve root exits the spine (called the neuroforamen). These conditions include (but are not limited to): narrowing and bulging of the disk, osteoarthritis, or spurring extending off the vertebral endplates where the disk attaches, facet joint arthritis resulting in hypertrophy or enlargement, calcification of ligaments, and more. When the neuroforamen narrows to the point of pinching the nerve root, symptoms occur. This condition is called “spinal stenosis (SS), which literally means narrowed spinal canals with entrapment of the spinal cord and/or nerves. Classic symptoms associated with SS include low back pain and stiffness. Most importantly, SS causes a gradual reduction in the amount of time that people with this condition can tolerate walking. Restricted mobility is initially subtle, but after months and years, walking becomes increasingly difficult .

It’s important to note that these conditions may not work for everyone, so it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment program . They can help you determine which treatments are best for you based on your specific needs.