As you age, you will probably experience more aches and pains than you did when you were younger. Back, hip and leg pain is more prominently seen older people . There are reasons to explain this increase in pain, and treatment options are available.
Spinal discs provide joint motion and stability to your spine. As your body ages, these discs slowly and progressively degenerate. As it degenerates, a disc can herniate into your spinal canal. A disc’s outer core is located under the spinal nerve root. A herniation of the outer core of the disc will create pressure directly on the nerve. This pressure can cause pain that will radiate down your leg called sciatica. Just about everyone will experience lower back pain and/or leg pain during their lifetime.
Treatment options will be determined once a diagnosis has been made and depend on the cause of pain, the severity of pain, and the length of time pain has been experienced. Treatment typically includes watchful waiting, physical therapy, spinal blocks, modification of activities, and anti-inflammatory medication. Most sufferers experience a substantial improvement or complete relief from pain with these treatments. Occasionally, these treatments have no affect and surgery may be required.
Treatment options will be determined once a diagnosis has been made and depend on the cause of pain, the severity of pain, and the length of time pain has been experienced. Treatment typically includes watchful waiting, physical therapy, spinal blocks, modification of activities, and anti-inflammatory medication. Most sufferers experience a substantial improvement or complete relief from pain with these treatments. Occasionally, these treatments have no affect and surgery may be required.
As you age, it is important to take special care of your back in order to reduce your risk of experiencing back, hip and leg pain. You should always stretch before you exercise, use proper techniques when lifting, and consume a well-balanced diet.