Spinal Degeneration and Aging

The common belief of spinal degeneration (aka.arthritis of the spine) is that it is a normal part of aging. The thought is that as we age, it’s inevitable that we will experience the aches and pains that come with arthritis in our joints. What we have to realize is that not only can this be prevented if we properly take care of our spine, but that spinal degeneration and aging are not synonymous. Conversely, degeneration can even happen earlier than we think.

Our Mississauga Chiropractors Explain how Subluxations and Misalignment can Cause Spine Problems

A recent study in 2015 presented findings that showed just how common abnormal spinal health is to the average person without any signs or symptoms, even pain. Chiropractors understand that subluxations (misalignments) exist in the spine and as long as they do, subluxations can promote serious spinal degeneration, even in the absence of symptoms.

Here are the findings from the study:   

• 37% of asymptomatic 20-yearolds have disc degeneration.
• 96% of asymptomatic 80-year-olds have it.       
• 30% of asymptomatic 20-year-olds have bulging discs.
• 84% of asymptomatic 80-year-olds have it.     
• 29% of asymptomatic 20-year-olds have disc protrusion (herniation).
• 40% of asymptomatic 80-year-olds have it.       
• 19% of asymptomatic20-year-olds have annular fissure (tearing of the tissue filling theintervertebral spaces).
• 29% of asymptomatic 80-year-olds have it.

This information points to the benefit of not only getting checked for subluxations, but even doing it at an early age. Subluxations can persist even at the moment we are born and carry on into our adult lives, and when they go undetected, they can lead to some of the early problems listed above. Not only do these subluxations lead to abnormal spinal mechanics, but has a huge impact on the nervous system as well. Your spine is a gateway of information being sent from the brain to the body, and any subluxation or degeneration can act as an interference of that communication,showing the impact that spinal health has not only on back pain, but on your overall health too. If you’d like more information about how your Mississauga Chiropractors can help you on your way to optimal spinal health and wellness, do not hesitate to contact us at (905) 821-4951 to book an appointment.