Is Back Pain a Normal Part of Aging?

Back pain is incredibly common, and it tends to escalate with age. Most people start to notice more back pain between the ages of 40 and 60, but some people will feel the effects of an aging spine as early as their 30s.

An occasional twinge is normal, but if back pain interferes with your daily function and keeps you out of work or the gym, it’s time to have it examined and treated. At Pinnacle Health Chiropractic in Kirkland, Washington, Jason Ablett, DC, helps men and women of all ages manage their back pain.

Causes of back pain

As you get older, you may be more likely to experience back pain due to muscle strains, muscle tears, ligament tears, and tendon tears. 

With time, you may also experience bulging or ruptured discs. Discs act as cushions, and they sit between your vertebrae. If they rupture, the fluid inside can leak out and irritate nearby nerves. While a disc can rupture at any age, the chances of this happening can increase as you get older. As you get older, your discs are less springy, so they’re more vulnerable to herniation. 

You may also experience back pain if your vertebrae become misaligned. And, as you age, you can develop back pain through wear and tear. Your chances of developing osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease can rise the older you get.

Ways to deal with back pain

Just because you’re more vulnerable to back pain as you age doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Dr. Ablett and the team at Pinnacle Health Chiropractic can help you manage pain and function well through chiropractic adjustments, ultrasound therapy, and electrical stimulation. 

You may also benefit by learning ways to stretch and keep your muscles and connective tissues limber. Nutritional counseling can also help you keep your weight at a healthy level. Furthermore, eating the right foods can discourage inflammation, which can contribute to back pain.

Dr. Ablett uses chiropractic adjustments to help restore optimal joint movement. Putting your vertebrae in alignment can ease pain and improve overall function. Dr. Ablett also offers fascia treatment, or myofascial release, which can help stretch your connective tissues, so you can experience a release of pressure and reduction in pain.

Prevent back pain

Staying at a healthy weight and staying active can help keep your spine healthy and supple as you age. Regular chiropractic treatments can also prevent back pain by keeping your vertebrae in alignment and your muscles and connective tissue loose.

Back pain affects most people at some point, but the older you get, the more likely it is that it will strike. But you don’t have to just put up with the pain. For expert treatment, book an appointment online or over the phone with Pinnacle Health Chiropractic today.