To maintain a healthy, active body requires keeping our vertebrae, and the intervertebral discs that join them, in good condition. So, how can we prevent age-related deterioration? In this article, we will describe the main degenerative diseases of the spine that can affect adults, and what you can do to prevent them.
Running, walking, jumping, dancing... We may not stop to think about it very often, but the spinal column is the axis on which all these movements depend. Although degenerative spine disease is common in the elderly, it can also appear earlier, because by the time a person is 30 years old, both the vertebrae and the intervertebral discs begin to show signs of wear.
Degenerative diseases of the spine: causes and symptoms
An adult spine has a total of 26 vertebrae joined together by intervertebral discs, which enable the flexibility and mobility of the spine, distribute body weight, and cushion the impact of the body’s movements. At the back of each vertebra is a small round hole, called the spinal foramen, which connects to f the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord. In addition, the vertebrae also serve as the base of support for muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The structure of the spine is perfectly designed to allow us to move freely, but, with the passage of time or as a result of some diseases, the spine can suffer degenerative changes that affect the vertebrae or vertebral discs, as in the case of degenerative disc diseases. Other factors, such as smoking, leading a sedentary lifestyle, or being overweight can also increase the risk of suffering degenerative disc disease.
As we age, our spinal discs become dehydrated and lose collagen, which reduces their elasticity and increases the risk of tearing or ruptures. There are different degrees of disc degeneration, and this degree is the first thing that must be evaluated making a diagnosis. As for symptoms, the first signs that indicate there may be a degenerative disease of the spine are back pain, which can radiate to the arms or legs, and a sensation of tingling or numbness of the extremities.
Main degenerative diseases of the spine
Degenerative disc disease
This disorder occurs as a result of the degeneration of the intervertebral discs that join each of the vertebrae that form the spine. As the discs degenerate, the distance between the vertebrae is reduced, and they lose their ability to act as shock absorbers to cushion the impacts caused by movement. In addition, disc degeneration also causes narrowing of the vertebral canal, compressing the nerve roots and other nerve structures that surround this area, causing pain as a result.
Degenerative disc disease is the result of the natural process of aging, and most often appears after the age of 65, although degenerative changes in the discs can also appear as a result of back injuries. In the case of worn lumbar discs, there are a variety of treatment options available, ranging from surgery to physical therapy, or the use of analgesics and muscle relaxants.
Lumbar canal stenosis
This pathology, also known as lumbar spinal stenosis, occurs when lumbar disc degeneration and intervertebral discs narrow the vertebral canal and compress the nerves that connect to the lower extremities. In the case of this degenerative disease of the lumbar disc, the most common symptoms are pain in the legs and lower back, feeling of weakness or numbness, and difficulty walking. For these degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, the most common treatment is usually surgery, especially after the age of 65.
Is walking good for lumbar stenosis?
Disc herniation
Disc herniation is one of the most common degenerative diseases of the spine. When the annulus fibrosus containing the intervertebral discs ruptures, the nucleus pulposus exits out of the intervertebral space and presses on nerve structures, producing pain. Within this pathology, the most common disc herniations are in the cervical spine at level C5-C6 (fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae), and the lumbar or lumbosacral spine at the level of L4-L5 (fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra) and L5-S1 (the fifth lumbar vertebra and the first sacral vertebra).
Surgery for a herniated disc: What are the options?
Spondylosis
This term applies to the overall degenerative pathology of the spine and is also known as osteoarthritis of the spine. It is a very significant cause of pain, and has to do mainly with the vertebral bone. Spondylosis can affect any part of the spine, although it is most common in the cervical area.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that affects the spine, causing acute pain and stiffness. The degeneration of the discs and inflammation of the tissues that connect the bones with the vertebral arch, primarily affects the lower back, pelvis, and hips, although it usually extends to the entire spine. This condition produces an almost complete ossification of the spine that makes it more likely to suffer fractures, chronic pain, and deformity.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis
This disease of the spine appears when intervertebral degenerative changes cause the support systems of the vertebra to deteriorate, and the vertebra moves with respect to the axis of the spine. As a result, the spinal canal narrows, and the spinal cord is compressed. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a disease that mainly affects the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebra. The most common symptoms are muscle pain and muscle stiffness in the lower back, which can radiate to the buttocks and legs.
Prevention of degenerative disorders of the spine
As you can see, degenerative spine diseases include an extensive range of pathologies, and there are different treatments in each case. It is important to bear in mind that many of these pathologies are the result of the natural aging process, so prevention is essential to delay their onset and minimize the adverse symptoms associated with worn lumbar discs.
So, while it is true that genetics plays an important role in some pathologies, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can be of great help to prevent or delay degeneration of the vertebral discs, as Dr. Clavel explains in this article in “Alimente.”
Getting regular exercise, for example, is highly recommended for keeping the musculoskeletal system in shape, provided that the intensity of the activity is appropriate for our physical condition. From the age of 35 onward, impact sports can cause excessive pressure on the spine and damage the discs.
Walking 30 minutes a day is an activity that is suitable for people of all ages and any physical condition. It requires little effort, but can have enormous benefits for the health of our spine and our general well-being.
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Categories: Spine treatments, Spine pathologies, Back pain