It has been estimated that there are currently 65 million Americans suffering from back pain, with 80% of adults stating that they have been bothered in some way by back pain at some point in their lives. Of those 80%, more than half stated that their back pain was severe enough to disrupt their regular routines for at least a week or more and about 88% stated that their back pains were recurring. Perhaps there are some people with back pain that can be provided relief by chiropractic methods, but there are many types of back pain stemming from problems that a chiropractor would be unable to solve, such as repairing fractures to bones or repairing damage to the interior of joints. For these types of problems, an orthopedic or spinal surgeon would be needed.
It seems that as people get older, back problems not only get worse, but also grow in duration, frequency, and number. A good amount of back problems are caused by the process of aging. One such problem is known as degenerative spine cascade, or degenerative disc disease, in which the human spine goes through a continuous process of changing and degenerating brought on by wear and tear through the years or by an acute or recurring injury. Other factors that contribute to this spine degeneration disease are genetic predisposition, major trauma, occupational factors, diet and nutrition, sports related activities, and exercise levels. These factors can contribute to the degeneration of the discs- which provide cushioning and spine absorption for spinal vertebrae- that are already being worn down by time and age. Although degenerative disc disease can be treated without surgery through physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but for some patients, adequate relief doesn’t occur until after surgery, such as spinal fusion, has been performed.
Another type of problem brought on by aging, and can be exacerbated by a variety of factors, is known as bone spurs. Bone spurs, or as they are technically called, osteophytes, smooth, bony growths that form along joint margins; they are technically just extra bone. Bone spurs commonly form on the spine, hands, shoulders, hips, feet, and knees. When certain joints, areas of joints, or cartilage at the end of bones, are under constant, continual pressure, rubbing, or stress, the body may respond by building an extra bone in order to repair itself; this extra bone is the bone spur. Although mild bone spurs can be treated with nonsurgical methods such as stretching and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, more painful and uncomfortable bone spurs will require surgery. Decompression surgery, lumbar spine surgery, and spinal fusion surgery are just different examples of the types of orthopedic surgery available to alleviate back pain.
For more details on Spine degeneration Visit : http://www.cervicalspinesurgeon.com/services/spine-degeneration.html
Another type of problem brought on by aging, and can be exacerbated by a variety of factors, is known as bone spurs. Bone spurs, or as they are technically called, osteophytes, smooth, bony growths that form along joint margins; they are technically just extra bone. Bone spurs commonly form on the spine, hands, shoulders, hips, feet, and knees. When certain joints, areas of joints, or cartilage at the end of bones, are under constant, continual pressure, rubbing, or stress, the body may respond by building an extra bone in order to repair itself; this extra bone is the bone spur. Although mild bone spurs can be treated with nonsurgical methods such as stretching and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, more painful and uncomfortable bone spurs will require surgery. Decompression surgery, lumbar spine surgery, and spinal fusion surgery are just different examples of the types of orthopedic surgery available to alleviate back pain.
For more details on Spine degeneration Visit : http://www.cervicalspinesurgeon.com/services/spine-degeneration.html
