As we age, our bodies undergo many different stages. One of the things in our body that changes a lot with age is the spine. Here are some of the ways that aging can affect the spine:
- Loss of Flexibility and Muscle Strength: Aging often leads to a decrease in flexibility and muscle strength which can affect posture and increase spinal stress.
- Degeneration of Spinal Discs: Over time the spinal discs lose water content and elasticity. This disc degeneration can lead to reduced disc height and bulging which causes pressure on the spinal canal and nerves.
- Thickening of Ligaments: Ligaments may thicken and stiffen with age. This can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal.