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As people age, they often start to experience aches and pains, especially in the back. Back pain in your 60s is very common and can become an issue that limits your daily activities and quality of life. This guide is meant to provide you an overview of the causes, diagnosis, treatments and preventative measures that you can take to manage your back pain in your 60s.
Causes of Back Pain in Your 60s
Age-Related Spinal Stenosis
Age-related spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal due to degenerative changes in the spine or from injuries from earlier in life. This causes the vertebrae to compress the space around the spinal cord and the nerves resulting in back pain. Though common in older individuals, it can lead to other issues such as numbness, weakness, pain or even loss of bladder control if it doesn’t get treated.
Degenerative process
Aging can cause a degenerative process in your spine that leads to a misalignment of the spinal column, bulging of a bulging disc, and impingement of the facet joints. This can lead to pain in your lower back that is sharp or burning, and can become more intense when sitting or standing. Pain relief may be found in lying down, and might be accompanied by muscle spasms.
Osteoporosis
It’s not uncommon for weakness of bones to occur as one gets older, and osteoporosis is one such issue. This is a condition which not only causes reduced bone density, but also an increased risk of fractures and compression fractures in the spine. When osteoporosis weakens the bones, this allows them to shift out of place and lead to an impaired posture, and in turn cause further back pain.
Poor Posture
Back pain in your 60s often results from poor posture. Years of poor posture can cause the spine to sacrifice its natural curve, causing a forward rounding in the upper thoracic area, otherwise known as a kyphosis. It also causes a forward head tilt and can cause upper back, neck and head pain.
Diagnosing Back Pain in Your 60s
Physical Examination
Your physician will do a physical examination to look at the range of motion and stiffness of your back when bending. He/she will also look at the curvature of your spine and listen to your descriptions of the pain to help them decide on the best possible course of treatment.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests like x-rays may be ordered by your physician if they suspect a problem like a fracture or herniated disc, or stenosis. These tests can help your physician determine the cause of the back pain and if any of the underlying structures or bones of your spine are affected.
Lab Tests
Your physician may order lab tests such as a complete blood count, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count and other tests to check for inflammation. Other tests may be ordered to check for infections, or to check for muscle, nerve and joint damage in the spine.
Treatments for Back Pain in Your 60s
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be used to help strengthen, stretch and stabilize the back muscles, promote healing, and improve flexibility and range of motion. Physical therapy is often used to help manage age-related lifestyle issues like osteoporosis as well.
Medications
Your physician may prescribe pain medications to ease pain and inflammation. Depending on the cause of your back pain, anti-inflammatory medications of steroids may be helpful.
Surgery
If conservative methods of treatment are not successful, or if the condition is severe enough, then surgery may be necessary to correct the problem and reduce pain. Surgery may be done to decompress a nerve, realign a damaged joint or stabilize an unstable vertebral segment.
Prevention of Back Pain in Your 60s
Good Posture
Maintaining good posture is one of the best ways to prevent back pain in your 60s. Good posture can help you better support your back and protect your spine from injury. Be sure to keep your shoulders back, your head upright, and your hips in line when you are sitting or standing.
Exercise and Fitness
Regular exercise is key for keeping your body strong, fit and healthy. Exercise can also help to prevent injuries, improve core strength and flexibility, and reduce back pain. Stretching and resistance exercises are especially effective for preventing and relieving back pain.
Avoid Activities That Put Too Much Stress On Your Back
Excess weight from obesity, smoking, and heavy lifting should be avoided if possible as they increase stress on your spine and can lead to back pain. It’s best to stay active and do gentle activities that put less strain on your back such as walking and swimming.
Sitting and Lifting
When sitting, it’s important to make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your back is adequately supported by a chair. When getting up, squat instead of bending at the waist to avoid placing too much stress on your back. When lifting, be sure to use your legs and not just your back when lifting heavy objects.
People Also Ask
What is the best way to treat back pain in your 60s?
The best way to treat back pain in your 60s is to seek medical help from a doctor and physical therapist. They can recommend the best course of treatment, which could include medications, physical therapy and other treatments.
How can I prevent back pain in my 60s?
Good posture, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding activities that put too much stress on your back are the best ways to prevent back pain in your 60s.
What are some exercises that help with back pain in your 60s?
Some exercises that can help with back pain in your 60s are walking, swimming, stretching and resistance exercises, yoga and Pilates. It’s important to talk to your doctor and physical therapist first before starting any new exercise routine to ensure it is right for you.
What are the signs of a serious back injury?
The signs of a serious back injury include severe pain when moving, numbness or tingling in the legs or arms, an inability to stand or walk, difficulty controlling bladder or bowel movements, and extreme weakness or paralysis in the legs or arms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
What causes back pain in your 60s?
Back pain in your 60s can be caused by a number of age-related issues such as age-related spinal stenosis, the degenerative process, osteoporosis, and poor posture. It is important to seek medical attention if you are having back pain as there could be an underlying condition causing the pain.
Final Words
Back pain can be a very debilitating issue and one that can have a major impact on your quality of life if not properly attended to. Knowing the causes, diagnosis, treatments and preventative measures for back pain in your 60s can help you be better prepared to manage it and keep it under control. It’s important to be proactive and to make sure you seek medical help and advice if you find yourself experiencing back pain.