Effect of Ageing on Back Health – Disc Degeneration
Effects of Ageing on Back Health: Understanding Disc Degeneration
Ever wondered why your back feels stiffer as you get older? Are you a little shorter than you used to be? It might be due to disc degeneration – a natural part of ageing that affects your spine's flexibility and comfort.
Understanding Disc Degeneration:
As we age, the spinal discs – the cushions between our vertebrae – start to lose water content. This dehydration makes them thinner and less flexible, reducing their shock-absorbing abilities. Also one reason why we lose height as we age. We have 23 intervertebral discs which contribute around one third of our total spine length. So lose a mere 1mm off each disc and that accounts for 23mm or close to 1 inch in “old speak” of height loss.
Disc Degeneration
The result?
1. Stiffness; the loss of disc height and malleability means each disc has less movement capacity.
2. Discomfort and pain; The joints are not as well separated with the disc loss. This can lead to more compression on the joint guides which aren’t well designed to be a load absorber
3. Nerve pinching; In severe cases, the thinning discs can lead to nerve compression, causing tingling or numbness in the limbs. If it happens in the lower back we can develop sciatica for example.
Who gets Disc Degeneration?
Discs are one of the first of our musculoskeletal tissues to start degenerating. Lumbar discs are known to start degenerating in our teens with 20% of them having mild degeneration signs. This degeneration progresses with time such that 10% of 50 year olds and 60% of 70 year olds have severely degenerative discs.
But why does this happen?
Around age 30, our discs gradually lose hydration. A crucial component of the disc called proteoglycan starts to break down and with it the disc loses water. The loss of this water has a major effect on the load bearing behaviour of the spine. Without their usual cushiony bounce, movements that were once easy become more challenging, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.
Can We Slow Down Disc Degeneration?
The good news is, while we can't stop ageing, we can slow down the effects on our spinal discs. Here’s how:
-
- Stay Active: Regular low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga keep your spine flexible and maintain disc health.
- Hydration is Key: Drinking enough water helps maintain disc hydration, keeping them plump and functional.
- Posture Matters: Maintaining good posture reduces undue pressure on your discs, preventing accelerated wear and tear.
- Weight; Load matters, be as light as you can reasonably be.
The Role of Chiropractic Care:
At Northcote Chiropractic Centre, we understand the toll ageing can take on your back. Our chiropractic adjustments help restore spinal alignment, reducing pressure on degenerating discs. This not only alleviates pain but also improves mobility, helping you move comfortably.
Ready to Keep Your Back Healthy as You Age?
You don’t have to accept back pain as a part of getting older. With the right strategies and chiropractic care, you can maintain a flexible, pain-free spine.
If you’re curious about how chiropractic care can help you age gracefully, reach out today! Let's keep you moving freely without pain.
No Back Pain Series – Key3; How Intervertebral Discs Keep Your Spine Healthy
