13+ Ways to Fix Your Age-Related Back Pain
Back pain and discomfort are among the most common ailments humans have to deal with. There are many causes, and the treatments vary from medication, physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, and surgery. Our backs get worse over time.
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:
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Degenerative changes in discs and joints — Loss of moisture and resilience can make discs less effective as shock absorbers.
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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).
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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.
About the Author
An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.
James Kelly
Contributor since August 21st, 2017
Editor's Note
People need long-term health care due to declining health, mobility problems, dementia, and the frailty of aging. Living a long time can mean you will need care - and you don't have to have an illness to need long-term care. You could be old and feeble but otherwise healthy.
The time most people obtain coverage is in their 50s. Learn how easy and affordable Long-Term Care Insurance can be, plus there are several types of plans you can consider.
Seek Professional Help Planning for Long-Term Care
Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price.
Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.
A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Planning Tools and Resources Available on LTC NEWS
Planning for the future is never easy, but long-term health care planning can be very complicated and comes with many emotions. Getting the right tools and resources will make the process much easier.
One of the goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety usually placed on your family at the time of crisis. LTC NEWS can be beneficial in providing you with important information for you to consider.
LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
You might have questions and LTC NEWS provides the answers for many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News. Find all the resources available on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Does Mom or Dad Need Help Now?
If your family is already in crisis and you need to find help and the right care services for mom or dad, LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.
Start by reading our four guides -
If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea.
Get Assistance in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim
Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance.
Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care.
If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation.
Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Advantages of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. Mike Banner, LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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