Almost everyone experiences back pain at some point. According to the National Institutes of Health, back pain is one of the most common reasons Americans go to the doctor, second only to colds and the flu.
Our bodies are incredibly designed and can withstand a lot of stress, but as we age, the normal wear and tear of life can increase the risk of spine-related problems and the likelihood of neck and back pain.
The most common age-related spine conditions are degenerative changes in discs and joints, spinal stenosis and frail vertebrae.
There are several ways to treat age-related back pain, depending on the extent and severity of your condition and pain. Spine care specialists approach spine pain by opting for conservative treatment options and exhausting these measures before recommending surgery. Conservative treatment takes time but can have great results. Conservative treatments include:
Incorporating medicine with other treatments: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Your provider may also offer a pain-relieving injection targeting specific areas of the spine. Common injections include cortisone for inflammation, trigger point injections targeting muscle spasms, and nerve blocks. Consult with your specialist before taking any medications.
The hope is these conservative treatment actions will not only help improve your pain over time but also make you the healthiest you can be. If conservative treatment is not enough for your pain and condition, surgery may be considered, and the healthier you are at the time of surgery, the better the potential outcome.
Although surgical intervention remains the last resort, advances in surgical techniques are making spinal surgery less frightening for patients. Newer technology enables surgeons to operate with more precision through smaller incisions, which has improved the outcomes of surgeries for certain people. This lends itself to patients returning to their day-to-day lives more quickly.
Although not everyone is a good candidate for certain procedures, a specialist will walk patients through all the options, and that is where patients can benefit from a team approach to spine surgery like what is available through UPMC Spine Care.
At UPMC, a care team comprising surgeons from neurosurgery and orthopedics and specialists from pain management and physical medicine all work together with their expertise to look at your case to develop multiple options and creative solutions for your pain management and treatment. You will be presented with a package of treatments together that is tailored to your specific needs, and you will play an active role in your entire treatment journey.
While some minor aches and pains may be par for the course of our lives, back pain that affects your quality of life is concerning and should be evaluated. If you experience back pain, listen to your inner voice. If you feel that you need to see a doctor, especially after a fall, go and get evaluated right away.
(Dr. Ronald DiSimone is an orthopedic surgeon with UPMC Spine Care in Lewisburg and UPMC Orthopaedic Care in Williamsport.)
