Chronic Back Pain in Men: What to Do If You're Over 50
Chronic Back Pain in Men: What to Do If You're Over 50
If you're a man over 50, you're not alone if you're dealing with chronic back pain. In fact, according to the American Chiropractic Association, about 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
There are a number of reasons why back pain is so common in men over 50. One reason is that as we age, our discs break down. Discs are the soft, rubbery cushions that sit between our vertebrae. When discs break down, it can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Another reason for back pain in men over 50 is obesity. Obesity puts extra stress on the spine, which can lead to pain and inflammation.
Finally, men over 50 are more likely to have injuries to their backs, such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. These injuries can also cause pain, stiffness, and swelling.
If you're experiencing chronic back pain, it's important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. However, there are also a number of non-surgical treatments that can be effective in relieving back pain.
Some of the non-surgical treatments that may be recommended for chronic back pain include:
Rest: If your back pain is caused by an injury, it's important to rest the back for a few days. This will allow the injury to heal.
Ice: Applying ice to your back for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Heat: Applying heat to your back can also help to reduce pain and inflammation. You can use a heating pad, or hot water bottle, or take a warm bath or shower.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help to relieve pain and inflammation on a short-term and temporary basis.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your back and improve your range of motion.
Weight loss: If you're overweight or obese, losing weight can help to reduce the amount of stress on your spine.
Injections: In some cases, injections of steroids or other medications into the spine can be helpful in relieving pain and inflammation.
If you're looking for ways to avoid surgery and medications, there are a number of things you can do to help manage your chronic back pain. Some of these things include:
Losing weight: If you're overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help to reduce the amount of stress on your spine.
Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to reduce your risk of developing other health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, which can also contribute to back pain.
Exercising regularly: Exercise can help to strengthen the muscles around your back and improve your range of motion. However, it's important to choose exercises that are low-impact and don't put too much stress on your spine.
Wearing supportive shoes: Wearing supportive shoes can help to reduce the amount of stress on your spine.
Using a cane or walker: If your back pain is severe, using a cane or walker can help to take some of the weight off your spine.
If you're experiencing chronic back pain, it's important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options. There are a number of things you can do to manage your pain and improve your quality of life.
Spinal Decompression: A Non-Surgical Treatment for Chronic Back Pain
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment that can be effective in relieving chronic back pain. Spinal decompression works by applying gentle traction to the spine, which helps to reduce pressure on the discs and relieve pain.
Spinal decompression is done at the Active Spine and Joint Institute offices - near you in Marmora, Rio Grande, Northfield, and Marlton, NJ. The patient lies on a table that is then slowly lowered into a water tank. The water in the tank helps to support the body and reduce the amount of stress on the spine.
The doctor will then apply traction to the spine using a special device. The traction helps to open up the spaces between the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the discs.
Spinal decompression is typically performed for 15-30 minutes at a time. The number of treatments that are needed will vary depending on the severity of the patient's back pain.
Spinal decompression is a safe and effective treatment for chronic back pain. It is a good option for people who are looking for a non-surgical treatment that can help to relieve pain and improve their quality of life.
If you are considering spinal decompression, give us a call to schedule an appointment.
