Age-Related Spine Changes

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Picture of Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano
Dr. Pasquale X. Montesano

Principal Orthopedic Spine surgeon at Montesano Spine & Sport.

Older man rises from a sofa while gripping a red-highlighted painful side and back

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Older adult suffering from age-related lower back pain and spinal degeneration at home

As people age, it’s fairly common that there will be changes to their spine. Here are some of the most common age-related changes to the spine:

  • Osteoporosis: Aging often leads to a decrease in bone density making your spine more susceptible to fractures and compression fractures. This can result in curvature changes to the spine. 
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, the spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity which leads to degenerative disc disease. 
  • Changes in Posture: Age-related changes such as muscle weakness and osteoporosis can lead to poor posture. 

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