It is a known fact that the bones and joints in your body will start to get weak at some point in your life. When you reach the age of 60, or even 50 for some, you will start to feel pain in several parts of your body - including your lower back - that can be excruciating and unbearable. It is important to note, however, that elderly people are also at risk of developing the condition known as disc degeneration.
What Is Disc Degeneration?
Disc degeneration occurs when the discs, which support the spine, is damaged or broken due to old age, injury or certain diseases. This condition is characterized by your leg being a little numb and your lower back area feeling constant pain. This condition is actually fairly common.
However, not all people who have disc degeneration are aware of their situation because a damaged or broken disc per se does not cause pain or other obvious symptoms. You will only feel pain when your problematic discs are ruptured or abnormally pushed out. This condition is what we call herniated disc, which is commonly known as slip disc.
Causes of Disc Degeneration
Majority of cases of disc degeneration are due to the normal wear and tear of the bones and joints. These discs act as support and shock absorber of the vertebral column. Eventually, through much use, some discs on your spine will start to get weak and damaged.
Another common cause of disc problems is injury. Putting sudden pressure on your lower back from lifting heavy objects, accidents, prolonged or frequent exposure to vibration or simply picking up something on the floor can cause slip disc.
Who Are At Risk Of Experiencing Disc Degeneration?
As mentioned earlier, everybody can be a candidate for such a condition. However, there are some individuals who are more prone or susceptible to breaking or injuring such discs.
Old People
The bones, joints and the fluids in-between the vertebrae of old people are getting weaker and smaller by the day. Naturally, they are the prime candidates for slip discs. However, the older you get, the more difficult it will be for you to recover from slip disc. Septuagenarians who fall and end up injuring their spine will find it very hard to get over their vertebral problems.
Athletes
Both professional and amateur athletes are equally prone to getting slip disc because of exerting too much effort in practicing or perfecting their performances. Moreover, athletes usually push their bodies to the limit, so the normal wear and tear process of bones and joints are much faster for them than the average Joes.
Obese And Overweight Individuals
One of the reasons why it is important to maintain your ideal body weight is because your bones and muscles end up overworking themselves when your body is carrying too much load. The same is true with your discs. The heavier you get, the more prone you will be at getting spine injuries because your body is finding it hard to carry your weight.
Treatment Options
Surgery
Individuals whose discs are heavily fragmented or disintegrated are advised to undergo surgery. In such cases, metal plates will be inserted and used to replace problematic discs. However, if your disc problem is not really serious, you may want to consider other options.
Nor-surgical Treatments
In most cases, people who have herniated discs recover in about one to six months through physical therapy and proper exercise. If you have herniated disc, the first thing that you have to do is rest. After a few days, you should start moving and getting out of the bed to strengthen the muscles that hold and support your spine. However, you should still take it easy on your movements and avoid strenuous activities until you your physician says otherwise.
Since pain is a common complaint from people whose discs have been ruptured, painkillers are often prescribed. However, you should not get too dependent on taking pain medications because prolonged use of these pills can cause severe side effects.
Lastly, rehabilitation of the herniated discs is important in ensuring that your condition is completely healed. Exercise, physical therapy and supplements are important during the recovery stage. You need to eat healthy and take products that will help strengthen your bones, ease pain and replenish the fluid between the discs. Products like Phosoplex can help you recover from disc degeneration or herniated disc. You can find out more about this product by visiting www.Phosoplex.com.
