Back Pain and Aging

As a person gets older their bodies suffer the ravages of age. We all see it with those extra lines in our faces or the grey hairs, or hair loss, which we must contend with as the years pass. We all feel it, as we slow down, our step not quite as bouncy as it was once. We tire easier too; those late nights are harder to stay awake through. Our eating, drinking and sleeping habits are affected as well. This is no different when it comes to the spine. It ages just like the rest of our bodies. The only difference is perhaps that we rely on it to give us support and so we must do whatever we can to take extra good care of it.

Over time, and the bad habits we acquire, we do things that may not be in the best interest of our spine. We must correct that. As one passes middle age into our senior years there are more things that can cause back pain and we must try to alleviate this as soon as we can. The spine, as it ages, can develop disc erosion or weakening, or vertebrate dislocation. Too often people accept the aches and pains they suffer as an inevitable part of growing old. They don't go to see their health care provider because they assume that at their age nothing can be done and so a visit to their physician is nothing but a waste of time. They're far from right on this one. No matter the age you are you deserve the opportunity to have the best quality of life possible to you and the best medical care you can find. Therefore if you're suffering from chronic back pain, don't sit there and hurt, see your doctor and get them to send you to a specialist if that is what it takes.

A neurosurgeon will look at a person's back with a different eye. They'll take down an extensive personal history so that they better understand the pain you are suffering from. Following this will be battery of tests that will include an MRI, a CT scan, x-rays and blood work. After careful consideration of all the findings the neurosurgeon will suggest a treatment plan. Depending on what they discover it might be no different that the usual plan of light exercise, anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants and over the counter pain relievers.

On the other hand, if the physician has found evidence of disease in your back and so can give you an explanation on why you are having so much difficulty and pain in your lower back there just might be more that can be done. Back surgery may sound drastic especially as you age. But neurosurgeons will tell you that it is very safe and can be done into a patient's eighties. If it corrects the problem and relieves the pain, which gives the patient a better life, it is something that should be considered.

About the Author:
Mike Serovey is the owner and webmaster for http://www.mikeserovey.net where you can submit your articles for free.