Spine Health: Preventing and Treating Common Spine Conditions

Dr.Nagesh Chandra, 4 mins read

The spine is a central support system that enables us to sit, stand, walk, twist and bend. Any damage or injury to this complex structure can cause pain and other conditions. That’s why caring for your spine health is important. 

Understand various problems that can affect your backbone and know their prevention and treatment. 

5 Common Spine Conditions

• Herniated Disc

We have a series of bones in the spine known as vertebrae. Between these vertebrae, there are cushions called disks. These disks help us easily move and bend. When one of these disks tears or leaks, a condition arises called a herniated disc. This can cause back pain, numbness, tingling and muscle weakness. 

Prevention

• Exercise regularly
• Maintain good posture
• Eat healthy foods
• Quit smoking

Treatment

Seek medical help. Your doctor will suggest a treatment course based on your condition. Usually, certain medications and therapy are recommended. But in some cases, surgery is considered the best option. 

• Muscle Strain

This condition occurs when the muscle is overstretched and torn. Usually, this occurs due to overuse or improper use of a muscle. Strain can happen in any body part but primarily affects the lower back, neck, shoulder and hamstring. This causes pain and limits movement within the affected part. 

Prevention

• Stretch daily
• Always warm up before participating in any exercise
• Don’t push yourself for any physical activity too hard. Always start slowly and then gradually pick up the pace
• Use the correct technique when lifting a heavy load
• Maintain good posture

Treatment

• Rest the injured muscle
• Ice the injured area
• Compress the area with an elastic bandage
• Elevate the injured part above the heart level while sleeping

• Scoliosis

This condition refers to abnormal bending or curvature of the spine. Scoliosis can range from mild to severe. If the angle of the curve is more than 10 degrees on X-ray, it is considered scoliosis.

Prevention

Since most scoliosis cases don’t have a known cause, there is no specific measure to prevent it. However, following a healthy lifestyle is always recommended. You can prevent the worsening of symptoms by taking a doctor’s help and adequate treatment.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the severity. For a mild case, regular follow-up with a doctor is required. And for moderate and severe cases, bracing or surgery is usually recommended.

• Osteoarthritis
  

When the protective cartilage that cushions the bones wears down, osteoarthritis occurs. Although it can affect any joint, hands, knees, hips and spine are more vulnerable to it. This causes pain, tenderness, swelling and loss of flexibility within the affected part.

Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Be active every day
• Pay attention to the pain
• Monitor your blood sugar periodically
• Include healthy fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet

Treatment

Medications, assistive devices and some therapies can help ease pain and other symptoms. Surgical procedures are also sometimes recommended. 

• Spinal Stenosis
  

The spine has some space in between that gives space for nerves to branch out. When those spaces shrink, the bones can put pressure on the nerves. This causes pain, tingling or numbness.

Prevention

• Get moving
• Quit smoking
• Manage your weight
• Maintain good posture
• Stretch every day to improve flexibility

Treatment

Medications, physical therapy, and steroid shots are usually suggested by doctors. In severe cases, surgery may provide you relief.

Also, Read: Different Types of Spinal Issues