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. It is also 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. These include staying physically active, using physical therapy, and applying heat and cold therapies. Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also recommended for managing pain, while complementary therapies such as acupuncture and osteopathic manipulation provide alternative options. For more severe cases, advanced treatments like nerve blocks and spinal cord stimulators may be needed.

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. 

Many people are trying to find ways to alleviate their back discomfort. Chiropractic care is used by many people as they attempt to reduce their symptoms. The medical community has many thoughts 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 the 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. 

Types of Surgery to Reduce or Eliminate Back Pain

Several types of back surgeries are recommended to reduce or eliminate pain, depending on the severity and location of the problem. For those with chronic back pain that hasn't responded to nonsurgical treatments, these surgeries can offer significant relief by addressing structural issues within the spine.

1. Disc Replacement Surgery: This procedure involves replacing a damaged or degenerated spinal disc with an artificial one made from surgical-grade materials like titanium or stainless steel. Disc replacement can help maintain normal spinal motion and is often used to treat neck or lower back pain associated with disc degeneration. Recovery times vary, but patients generally return to normal activities within three months.
2. Spinal Fusion: In spinal fusion, two or more vertebrae are permanently joined together using bone grafts or implants to stabilize the spine. This procedure is often recommended for treating spondylolisthesis, severe spinal instability, or advanced degenerative disc disease. There are several approaches, including Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), each with varying levels of invasiveness and recovery times.
3. Spinal Decompression Surgery: This category includes procedures like laminectomy, discectomy, and microdiscectomy, which remove portions of bone or disc material to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. These surgeries are effective for conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and nerve impingement. Many decompression surgeries can be done on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day, with recovery times typically ranging from two to six weeks.
4. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Minimally invasive techniques, such as minimally invasive PLIF or TLIF, use smaller incisions and reduce muscle and tissue damage, leading to shorter recovery times and less post-operative pain than traditional open surgeries. These options are ideal for patients looking to minimize downtime and get back to daily activities more quickly.

Understanding these surgical options can help you and your healthcare provider determine the best approach to managing chronic back pain. The choice of surgery will depend on the specific condition, severity, and overall health of the patient, making consultation with a specialist essential for successful outcomes.

Back Issues and Long-Term Care

Back issues can be a significant factor in the need for long-term care services, especially as they tend to worsen with age. Conditions like chronic lower back pain, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis can lead to severe mobility limitations, impacting your ability to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, or moving around.

When pain is constant or physical capabilities decline, long-term care services—whether at home or in a facility—often become necessary to assist with these activities.

In severe cases, back pain can also lead to secondary complications such as muscle weakness, loss of balance, or falls, increasing the risk of further injuries. The loss of independence associated with these complications can make it difficult for seniors to remain safely in their own homes without professional assistance.

As a result, long-term care services might be required to help manage pain, maintain mobility, and provide daily support, particularly when physical therapy and medication are no longer sufficient to control symptoms.

Long-term care costs are rising, and health insurance, including Medicare, will only pay for short-term skilled care. Unless you have Long-Term Care Insurance, you will need to pay for your care out of pocket or depending on unskilled family caregivers.

Be Proactive

As we age, changes in our health, body, and mind are inevitable. However, taking proactive steps like regular doctor visits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage the effects of aging. Another critical aspect of preparing for the future is planning for the costs and potential burdens associated with aging.

Retirement planning is essential for enjoying your "golden years," but it's important not to wait until you're older to consider the impact of longevity and declining health. One effective strategy is incorporating an affordable Long-Term Care Insurance policy into your retirement plan.

• How Much Does LTC Insurance Cost at My Age?

Owning an LTC policy provides a comprehensive solution by giving you access to your choice of quality care services, including in-home care. Beyond that, it helps protect your assets and reduces the emotional and financial stress on your loved ones that often accompanies caregiving responsibilities.

Most people obtain coverage in their 50s, though some start even earlier. Consulting with a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist can ensure you get accurate quotes from all the top companies that offer long-term care solutions. By working with an LTC Insurance specialist, you can find appropriate coverage tailored to your needs. Taking these steps now helps lift the burden off your shoulders and alleviates the caregiving load from your family's future.