Spine disorders (SD) and the associated pain are a major medical, social and economic problem because of their high prevalence and the ever-increasing number of patients with SD in the general population. A delay between the first symptoms, the diagnosis of SD, and onset of treatment with a potentially various impacts on treatment outcome is a major concern. Another is the lack of effective prevention which would reduce the incidence of SD. Additionally, there are social and economic consequences of SD as many people with back problems leave the workforce, either temporarily or permanently, usually with compromised effects on their family life and social and economic status.
A degenerative disease of the spine is the major cause of back pain. The first symptoms are experienced later on in life (between the third and fourth decades of life). The pain usually quickly subsides, but depending on the location and severe degenerative changes it may become chronic. Such chronic pain may be reported by up to 60% of patients. According to various studies back pain is a frequent problem many patients have and consult with general practitioners.
Degenerative spine and disc conditions:
• Arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease - Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis - Spondylosis
Other spine conditions and disorders:
• Ankylosing spondylitis - Back pain - Basilar invagination - basilar impression and cranial settling
• Chronic spine and back pain – Kyphosis – Myelopathy - Neck pain
• Osteoporosis and vertebral fractures
• Radiculopathy - Scheuermann's kyphosis
• Scoliosis
• Spinal cord cancer - Spinal cord injury - Spinal deformities
• Spinal fracture
• Spinal tumors
• Spondylolisthesis
Common causes of Spine Disorders include:
• Accidents or falls - Congenital disorders (present since birth)
• Inflammation – Infection - Inherited disorders
• Injuries ranging from minor to traumatic
• Degenerative wear and tear that comes with aging
Risk Factors for Spine Disorders Include:
• Excess weight or obesity
• Improper lifting techniques
• Nutrition and lifestyle habits such as sedentary lifestyle, low calcium intake, or smoking
• Other conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease
• Overuse from exercise or occupational movement
• Poor posture
• Repetitive strenuous activities
Source of information: Various Google Searches
Until next time, stay safe and well!
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