What is spine health?
Although your spine is colloquially called a backbone -- implying one bone -- 26 vertebrae actually compose your spine. In between each of these vertebrae is a jelly-like disc that acts as a shock absorber and allows your spine to bend and twist without causing pain.
Together, your vertebra and discs protect your spinal cord and all the nerves that run through your body.
Numerous problems can arise in your spine, changing how it functions and moves. Common diseases and conditions, such as arthritis, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease, impact the health of your spine, as do other things, such as:
- Infections
- Injuries
- Tumors
- Bone changes
When these issues arise, the components of your spine can put pressure on the nerves it’s meant to protect, creating pain and limiting movement.
What leads to spine problems?
Although anyone can develop spinal problems, there are risk factors that make it more likely. These risk factors include:
- Getting older
- Being overweight
- Lacking physical fitness
- Smoking cigarettes
- Having a family history of back or neck pain
Your job can also impact your spinal health and back pain. If you sit at a computer for long periods of time, or you must repeatedly pull, push, or lift, especially while twisting your spine, you’re at a higher risk of injury.
Spine problems also occur after accidents and injuries. A vehicle accident which jars your body can lead to injury, as can a fall or strong impact on your back.
How are spine issues treated?
If you have minor back, neck, or pelvic pain, Dr. Scott discusses lifestyle changes that can reduce your pain and improve your spine health. He may recommend ergonomic changes to your workspace or prescribe exercises to strengthen and stabilize your back and spine.
He advises you to engage in daily, low-impact exercises to reduce pain and improve spinal mobility. Dr. Scott may also describe inflammation-causing foods and how to avoid them.
Hot and cold therapy can help you manage symptoms, and when necessary, over-the-counter pain relievers can eliminate any discomfort.
When these therapies aren’t enough, or when your condition becomes chronic, your sports medicine specialist may recommend more aggressive treatments, such as:
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- Injection therapy
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Prolotherapy
When you’re worried about spinal health, go to a fellowship-trained physician who has over 35 years of experience. Call today to schedule your appointment or book it online.
