Many of us believe that only older people experience issues with back pain, but this is not true. Back pain equally affects both young and older individuals because it can arise from various spinal conditions.
The spine is composed of several tiny bones called vertebrae, extending from our hips to our neck. It is the most crucial component of our body as it enables us to stand and maintain our balance. Back pain may develop if our spine is harmed in any way. In this post, we will talk about 10 common spinal issues.
Herniated Disk:
A herniated disk, also known as a slipped disk, is a problem related to the cushion (disk) stored between the vertebrae. These disks are filled with a jelly-like substance (the nucleus) covered by a rubbery outer layer known as the annulus. Imagine a ball filled with jelly that is hard on the outside. If you make a puncture in the ball, it will start leaking jelly outside.
Similarly, disk herniation happens when the nucleus leaks out of the annulus of the disk which provides cushioning to our vertebrae. Disk herniation usually takes place in the lower back, but it can happen anywhere in the spine. Depending on the condition of the disk herniation, it causes these problems:
- Tingling
- Numbness Back pain
- Weakness in muscles
- Pain in the arms and legs
Strain:
Sometimes, due to poor posture or overuse of the muscles, strains in the back muscles occur, typically causing pain around the neck and back. Because of overuse and bad posture, our muscles become stiff and strained.
Strengthening the muscles through regular exercise is advisable. Additionally, managing a healthy weight and stretching before exercise will also contribute to alleviating back pain caused by strain.
Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs due to a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D in the body. Older people, especially women, are more prone to this condition. The bones in the spine become weak, fragile, and sensitive to damage, leading to the collapse of vertebrae and a hunched posture.
Unfortunately, osteoporosis manifests without noticeable symptoms. It becomes apparent only after the bones have already weakened. Prevention is possible through a diet rich in foods containing ample vitamin D and calcium. Exercise can help in maintaining good posture and bone health.
Spinal Stenosis:
Stenosis means narrowing in medical dictionaries. Generally, due to aging wear and tear, the space between our spinal cords begins to narrow, a condition known as spinal stenosis. It can happen to anyone, but older people are prone to it.
Spinal stenosis can cause irritation to the spinal cord and the nerves within the spine. Common symptoms of spinal stenosis include back pain, neck pain, and tingling in the arms or legs. In severe cases, surgery may provide relief.
Sciatica:
Sciatica occurs due to an issue with the sciatic nerves. It is a condition in which one or more of the nerves that extend from your lower back down to your legs become irritated, inflamed, pinched, or compressed.
Sciatica primarily occurs when an inward herniated disk or bone spur comes into contact with the spinal nerve. If you experience pain in your lower back that extends down to your leg, it may be due to sciatica.
Scoliosis:
When the vertebrae curve instead of being straight, it is called scoliosis. Scoliosis is a spinal condition that affects children and adolescents and results in curvature in the C or S shape. Most scoliosis cases are normal with few symptoms, but some cases become worse during the growth of children.
Children with small curves do not face any problems, but sometimes the curve gets worse during growth. Large curves may damage joints and cause spinal arthritis. Scoliosis can cause back pain and stiffness. It may be treated with braces or surgery.
Osteoarthritis:
Between every vertebra, there are slippery tissues (cartilage) that help our back to bend without friction. If the cartilage wears down, the vertebrae start to touch each other with friction. This friction makes your back stiff and painful.
Osteoarthritis of the back is common in women. This damage worsens over time, as it can also harm nerves and cause bone spurs. Therapy, medicines, and exercise can help provide relief; in severe cases, surgery is performed.
Osteoarthritis majorly impacts our hip and knee joints. Sometimes, hip osteoarthritis also causes hip pain. I was also suffering from back pain for a very long time, so I consulted with an orthopedic doctor in Delhi.
After a proper diagnosis, my doctor recommended hip replacement surgery.Total hip replacement surgery in Delhi was suggested by my aunt, who is a professional physiotherapist and works in one of the prominent hospitals in India.
I live in Vrindavan, and I came to Delhi for the surgery because it is easy to find a well-qualified and experiencedorthopedic surgeon in Delhi. Delhi is a big city and very popular for advanced medical facilities.
Whiplash:
Injury to muscles and ligaments caused by sudden neck movement beyond the normal range of motion may cause whiplash. Whiplash causes neck pain, headaches, and shoulder pain, which may last for 24 hours. It can be cured by painkillers, ice, and physiotherapy. In severe cases, injections may give relief.
Conclusion:
Knowing these spinal problems is important, as they can affect people of all ages. The spine, a main support structure for our body, is prone to various conditions, each presenting unique challenges.
A herniated disk can lead to problems like persistent back pain, tingling, and weakness. Strains, often caused by poor posture or muscle overuse, emphasize the importance of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce back pain.
Osteoporosis is a silent threat that makes our bones become weak and can be prevented by a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Spinal stenosis, sciatica, scoliosis, and osteoarthritis showcase the diverse ways in which the spine can be affected and require different approaches to treatment.
Whiplash, caused by sudden neck movements, reminds us to get help early with painkillers, ice, or physiotherapy. By understanding these common spine problems, we can take steps to prevent them and get the right care when needed for a healthier, pain-free life.
Delhi, the capital of India, has the best doctors and hospitals, as per my knowledge and experience. If someone requires surgery and is looking for the best orthopedic treatment, they can visit Delhi.
