Today we're diving into a topic that affects a lot of us: spinal degeneration. It's not just something for old folks – people of all ages need to watch out for it. Let's break it down and figure out what we can do to keep our backs healthy.
What Is Spinal Degeneration All About?
Spinal degeneration, characterised by the gradual deterioration of spinal discs and joints, is when your spine starts wearing down over time, causing pain and stiffness. It's not just because of age, though.
Things like sitting too much,
bad posture, and
doing repetitive tasks can speed up the process.
How Common Is It?
You might be surprised to hear that spinal degeneration is pretty common. The statistics surrounding spinal degeneration are staggering. Studies suggest that by the age of 80, a staggering 96% of the population will experience some degree of spinal degeneration. Even more alarming is the fact that 60% of people will have signs of degeneration by the age of 50. But perhaps the most eye-opening revelation is that spinal degeneration is not exclusive to the elderly; recent studies have shown that 37% of 20-year-olds already exhibit signs of degeneration.
Setting the Record Straight
There's a common belief that back problems only come with old age. While age can play a role, it's not the whole story. Injuries and repetitive movements can also lead to spinal degeneration, no matter how old you are.
The Sneaky Nature of Spinal Degeneration
One tricky thing about spinal degeneration is that it can sneak up on you. You might not even know you have it until the pain sets in. Studies have even found that children as young as 10 can have it without feeling any symptoms. That's why they call it a "silent" epidemic – it flies under the radar until it's too late.
Why Traditional Treatments Might Not Cut It
When people start feeling the pain, they often turn to surgery or pain medication. But here's the thing – those treatments don't always work, and they can cost a fortune. Plus, many people end up needing more surgeries later on.
Taking Action to Protect Our Spines
Instead of waiting for back problems to strike, let's take proactive steps to prevent them. It's kind of like taking care of your teeth to avoid cavities. We can learn about what causes spinal degeneration and make lifestyle changes to lower our risk,
like sitting less,
moving more, and
practicing better posture.
Wrapping It Up
So, here's the bottom line: spinal degeneration is a serious issue, but it's not something we have to accept as inevitable. By understanding what causes it and taking preventive measures, we can keep our backs strong and pain-free for years to come.
At Goslett Chiropractic, tackling Spinal Degeneration, with a special focus on Spinal Hygiene, is part of the patient journey that we have designed for our patients.
This information has been made available by Dr Tabor Smith, the driver of the Spinal Hygiene Movement. Please download his free e-book if you would like more information.