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Never assume back pain is a natural part of aging. Though your body changes, age-related back pain isn’t inevitable. And if it occurs, you don’t have to live with it. Explore four myths about aging and back pain and learn why they’re not true.
Many people still have misconceptions about aging. One of the most common myths is that back pain is inevitable and that living with the pain is expected and unavoidable.
Negative beliefs and myths about back pain and aging have consequences that affect the quality of life for older adults.
Believing you must accept age-related back pain may stop you from seeking treatment. Instead, you stay stoic and tough it out, possibly engaging in behaviors that worsen the problem.
At Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care in Hobart, LaPorte, Munster, Valparaiso, and Merrillville, Indiana, our caring team specializes in supporting older adults with back pain, helping them find long-lasting relief with customized treatments targeting the source of the problem.
Here, we debunk four common myths so you can make more informed choices.
Myth 1: Back pain is a regular, expected part of aging
It’s true, aging causes changes in your body, including your spine. You may experience spinal changes such as:
- Vertebrae may lose bone density (osteoporosis)
- Joints between vertebrae may degenerate (arthritis)
- Discs can dehydrate, weaken, and wear down (herniated discs and degenerative disc disease)
- Ligaments thicken
- Bone spurs develop
However, these changes don’t mean that back pain is normal or a problem you must accept and live with. Many older adults have age-related spine changes on diagnostic images, yet they don’t have symptoms.
There are steps you can take to prevent or lower the risk of age-related back pain. And if back problems develop and cause symptoms, you can turn to our pain management experts.
Physical therapy and interventional medicine can help alleviate your pain, restore spinal health and stability, and enable you to regain an active, thriving life.
Myth 2: You can’t improve your back if you’re older
It’s never too late to improve your muscle strength, posture, and flexibility. You can begin safe, age-appropriate exercise at any life stage.
Despite the numerous benefits of exercise, from alleviating back pain and preventing chronic diseases to boosting mood and cognitive function, 1 in every 4-5 older adults is inactive or fails to get enough exercise.
If you’ve been inactive, or you’re active but struggle with back pain or a chronic health condition, consult your healthcare provider or a physical therapist before starting an exercise program.
Myth 3: Rest is the best treatment for age-related back pain
Resting for a few days may help reduce inflammation and reduce the pain. However, prolonged rest will worsen the problem. The back muscles and ligaments will stiffen and weaken, and your pain will increase.
Exercise is the key to preventing and healing age-related back pain because it can:
- Strengthen the muscles that stabilize your spine
- Reduce stiffness
- Improve mobility
- Boost circulation
- Reduce your symptoms
Begin with gentle movements, such as walking, and gradually increase your activity. Consider yoga, tai chi, or other mind-body exercises.
If you have back pain that makes it difficult to stay active, we can recommend treatments that alleviate the pain, allowing you to engage in activities that support a healthy back in the long run.
Myth 4: Surgery is inevitable
No one wants to have back surgery, so you can take heart in knowing that surgery is seldom the solution for back pain.
- 80% of cases recover with nonsurgical care within three weeks
- 90% of cases recover within six weeks
- 7% to 10% develop chronic back pain lasting six months or longer
- 1% of cases need surgery
If you need surgery to repair the underlying cause of your back pain, we specialize in minimally invasive procedures.
These procedures use tiny “keyhole” incisions or, in some cases, hollow needles inserted through your skin to restore your spine. As a result, surgery is less traumatic and you recover faster.
Need help preventing or treating back pain?
If you’re struggling with back pain, don’t assume it’s just an expected part of aging. Our team at Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care has extensive experience helping older adults with back pain.
Call the nearest office or request an appointment online today to learn about treatment options that help you stay active and pain-free.