In the today’s world, we hear a lot about the health of certain vital organs, specifically the colon, heart, and kidneys. An equally vital component of the body that has not received such vivid media and medical attention, but possibly should, is the spine. As the hub of the skeletal system in the upper body, our spine is responsible for much more than we tend to give it credit. It supports basically our entire upper body and bears significant weight in doing so. Unfortunately, complications within the spine are often overlooked and can pose severe risks. Thus, it is important to educate yourself about the spine and the potential abnormalities that can occur as you age.

The Natural Degeneration of the Spine over Time

Unfortunately, the aging process involves the natural degeneration of the body. It is true that our ears and nose never stop growing, but other parts of the body regress, including the spine. The gel-like discs that separate vertebra (bones) in the spine begin to lose their ability to retain water content and can flatten out, decreasing mobility in the upper body. Also, over time, the spinal cord may become constricted, the spinal canal may thin, and small growths of excess bone may form. All of these are natural processes, but some can have adverse effects on the spine as a whole, and can cause pain and a variety of other symptoms to be felt.

Keeping Your Spine As Healthy as Possible

The spine will naturally degenerate over time, but that is certainly no reason for you to throw caution to the wind and completely disregard the health of your neck and back. Instead, you should strive to keep your spine as healthy as possible. This means eating right, managing your weight, and staying mobile and flexible. A strong back can reduce some of the burden of weight that the spine must bear, and eating healthy ensures that vital nutrients and minerals are being consumed to keep the spine in tip-top condition. Also, it is commonly advised by physicians to avoid tobacco products and minimize alcohol consumption to maintain a healthy spine.

Encountering Spinal Abnormalities

At one point or another in life, you may experience a spinal abnormality. These abnormalities can range from mild and harmless to other conditions that are more serious. While it is not uncommon to face a spinal abnormality, it is not something to overlook or take lightly. If you are experiencing pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, or any similar symptom that doesn’t seem to subside, you should pay a visit to your primary care physician, or PCP, for a diagnosis. You may find that it is a condition that can be mitigated easily, but you may catch a more serious condition in its earlier stages and be able to have it treated before it worsens.

The Potential of Spine Surgery

Spine surgery can be a viable solution, but it is generally regarded

as a last-resort effort for treating spinal abnormalities and is almost never recommended as a treatment option at first. The reason surgery is not typically recommended as a treatment option after a patient is diagnosed with a certain spinal abnormality is that conservative (nonsurgical) treatment efforts usually mitigate pain and other symptoms to a manageable level. However, if conservative treatments have been attempted to little or no avail after several weeks or months, surgery may then become an option. If so, you should consult your primary care physician about the idea of surgery, receive multiple other medical opinions, and do some research of your own to educate yourself about your condition and how surgery might help.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spine health.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spine health. http://www.healthgrades.com/group-directory/pennsylvania-pa/wayne/laser-spine-institute-9961d422

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to spine health.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Patient Education, Healthy Living, Spine Health