The most common causes for needing spinal surgery are spinal degenerative diseases. “Spinal degeneration” pertains to the overall wear and tear of muscles or ligaments within the spine. Over time, the spinal column will deteriorate due to everyday activities and can grow increasingly uncomfortable, leading patients to seek surgery. Spinal degeneration is a term that encompasses many lesser conditions, all of which can negatively impact your spinal health. Spinal degeneration is not the only condition leading to spinal surgery, though it is the most common, so it is important to be educated on the topic.
What causes spinal degeneration?
Spinal degeneration is normally caused by the repetition of unhealthy physical habits, like being too active during the day or not being active enough. The key is to find a balance in your own life and break the repetition in your habits.
Degenerative spinal conditions include
- Arthritis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Myelopathy
- Ligament Laxity
Arthritis is the inflammation of your joints, caused by any of a myriad of issues, like wear and tear, disease, or infections. The most common cause of arthritis is wear and tear, though all origins of arthritis have their dangers. In most cases, arthritis is found in the wrists, knees, or spine. Arthritis cannot be fully cured, but surgery can offer pain relief.
Spinal Stenosis normally occurs as a side effect of wear and tear arthritis. Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of your spinal canal, usually caused by the inflammation of your spinal joints. As arthritis worsens and joints become more inflamed, the spinal canal grows narrower. Spinal stenosis can cause immense pain because the lack of space within the spine can lead to nerve damage. Surgery is used to widen the spinal canal and relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Myelopathy is yet another side effect of spinal arthritis. Similar to spinal stenosis, myelopathy worsens as arthritis worsens. Myelopathy is the pinching or suppression of the spinal cord. The inflammation of spinal joints narrows the spinal canal, which then increases the pressure placed on the spinal cord. Arthritis is often treated via surgery, and spinal stenosis or myelopathy normally fixes itself after surgery.
Ligament Laxity pertains to a stretched or loose ligament. Many people view the ability to have a wider range of motion as an advantage, especially dancers and gymnasts. In many cases, ligament laxity serves as no medical threat. However, combined with other degenerative diseases, ligament laxity can be incredibly painful. Surgery would not treat ligament laxity itself, but the other conditions enhanced this ligament issue.
How can spinal degeneration be avoided?
Spinal degeneration is mostly unavoidable. However, there are many things you could do that can help stave off severe injuries. The easiest thing you can do to avoid serious injury to your spine is to educate yourself on spinal health and how to take care of your spine. Another great option to ward off back injuries is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you eat healthily and perform regular physical activities, you are likely to extend the lifetime of your spine.
Aging can be tough, especially when your body ages faster than your mind. However, growing old is inevitable. Your body will naturally begin to grow slower and more fragile, so it is important that you take good care of yourself. If you begin to suffer from spinal degeneration, call Axis Spine Clinic and schedule a consultation today. We would love to help educate you on the current state of your spinal health!