13+ Ways to Fix Your Age-Related Back Pain

How does your back feel? Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work. Back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Very few people escape without some back pain. As you get older, you will experience more back discomfort.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that 75 to 85 percent of Americans experience back pain in their lifetime. Half will have more than one episode within a year.

The common causes of lower back pain in older adults include degeneration of joints in the lumbar spine, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis. Bones and disks in our spines degenerate over time. Stiffness, swelling, and inflammation can be uncomfortable and debilitating for many people.

Time is Not Your Friend

Over time, this pain and degeneration can lead to mobility issues and long-term health care. What's more, an analysis published in 2015 in the journal Menopause Review found that women, specifically, experience an increase in low back pain with perimenopause and menopause.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the three most common reasons for developing back pain after age 50 are:

• Degenerative changes in discs and joints — Loss of moisture and resilience can make discs less effective as shock absorbers.

• Spinal stenosis — The canal through which your spinal cord passes can narrow because of disc degeneration, thickened ligaments or arthritic facet joints (usually in the lower back).

• Spondylolisthesis — One spinal vertebra can slip forward onto the vertebra below.

Any of those conditions can cause inflammation, pressure on nerves, or discomfort. When this happens, Cleveland Clinic back pain specialists recommend 13 ways to reduce your back pain.

Age-Related Back Pain Not Just for Older People

You don't have to be 'old' to have age-related back pain! Age-related back pain can start as young as 30 years old! This means paying attention to your health should start when you are younger. As you get older, no matter what you do, you will still have declining health. It is hard to beat aging. 

Today many people try to find many ways to alleviate their back discomfort. Chiropractic care is used by many people as they attempt to reduce their symptoms. There are many thoughts from the medical community about the benefits of chiropractic treatment.

Researchers in a 2018 study enrolled 750 active-duty military personnel who complained of back pain. Half received standard medical care (medications, self-care, and physical therapy). The other half received usual care plus up to 12 chiropractic treatments.

After six weeks, the researchers found that the group that included chiropractic treatments benefited did well. The group reported less pain intensity, less disability, improved function, and used less pain medication.

Massage therapy is another way people seek relief from back pain and discomfort. Tense muscles in the back can exacerbate a person's pain. Massage relaxes the muscles and relieves tension. Massage also improves the blood flow to the affected area. By stimulating circulation in the affected muscles, massage brings fresh blood to the site of the pain, which helps alleviate the soreness. 

Be Proactive

As we age, we can't avoid the changes that happen to our health, body, and mind. You can take proactive steps to maintain better health and lifestyle. You can see your doctor regularly. The other thing you can do is prepare for the costs and burdens of aging.

Retirement planning is vital so you can enjoy your 'golden years.' However, you can't wait until you get older to prepare for longevity and declining health. One way to prepare is to include an affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy in your retirement plan.

When you own an LTC policy, you own a solution. You will have access to your choice of quality care services, including in-home care. But there is more. You will also protect assets and ease the stress and anxiety otherwise placed on those you love.

Most people obtain their coverage in their 50s, some even earlier. Be sure to seek the help of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to assist you in finding appropriate coverage. Take the burden off your back. Take the burden of caregiving off your family's back.