Due to changes in modern lifestyles, it is no longer just the elderly who are at risk for degenerative disc disease; young adults can experience it as well. Nevertheless, we cannot deny that aging naturally comes with degeneration. Understand overall degeneration across 3 age-related stages, along with ways to reduce risks before developing degenerative disc disease.
Intervertebral discs usually begin to degenerate with age, especially in individuals aged 40 and older. Generally, 2 main symptoms are found:
Some studies show that increasing age is associated with spinal curvature, spinal stenosis, multiple sclerosis, and degenerative disc disease.
Numerous other studies show that people with osteoporosis have a higher risk of developing degenerative disc disease. As the body loses bone mass, bones become fragile and easily fractured. This is most commonly found in adults aged 50 and older, with a higher prevalence in females. Age is thus a key variable leading to the transmission of ‘one condition’ to ‘another.’
In general, risk factors can be divided into two main categories: age-related degeneration and lifestyle habits.
If you are an office worker who sits in front of a computer in the same position for long periods, muscle fatigue in the eyes, neck, shoulders, back, hips, and lower back will inevitably lead to office syndrome. Some may experience diffuse pain that is difficult to pinpoint. Changing postures every hour and doing stretching exercises can help alleviate these symptoms.
Because the spine has natural curves, choosing an ergonomic chair that supports your body helps maintain flexibility. While sitting, adjust the seat height appropriately, keep both feet flat on the floor, rest your back against the chair, and keep your neck upright as a baseline. Additionally, stand up or do activities to relieve muscle tightness every hour. Avoid lying on your stomach to read or sleeping curled up, as these postures put harmful stress on the spine.
Excess weight places a heavy burden on spinal discs, making them unable to withstand the pressure. Whether sitting, bending, or standing, pain and other degenerative diseases—such as knee osteoarthritis—become hard to avoid. Reducing carbohydrate, sugar, and high-fat intake while increasing physical movement is an easy starting point that takes little time while extending the lifespan of your bones and keeping degeneration at bay.
Both sports and exercise require varying levels of physical exertion. Stretching helps prepare muscles for heavy effort and reduces the risk of muscle tears during activity.
Illnesses can strike anytime, anywhere. When warning signs appear, big or small, consult a physician for a medical evaluation to diagnose the symptoms—such as nerve testing or spinal X-rays. If symptoms do not respond to conservative medication treatment, an MRI scan may be the final diagnostic step to assess nerve compression.
The Orthopedics Department at Ramkhamhaeng 2 Hospital is ready to provide comprehensive care and treatment for bone and joint conditions. Backed by specialized orthopedic specialists and modern, highly effective technologies, we are dedicated to helping you move forward with quality of life.
Read more: Global Spine Congress 2024 World-Class Spine Surgeons Gathering
For more information, please contact:
Orthopedics Department
Email: information@ram2-hosp.com
Line Official: @ram2
Tel: 02-032-3888, 095-771-9739
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