Is It Just ‘Part of Getting Older?’
As birthdays add up, so do subtle changes inside the body, and the spine is no exception. Many people attribute stiffness, occasional aches .and reduced flexibility later in life to “just part of getting older,” though these problems may be due to other causes. It’s helpful to understand that while age-related spine changes are normal, they are often manageable and treatable when addressed early. Understanding how to optimize spine health as you age can make all the difference in maintaining independence and quality of life.
How the Spine Changes with Age
“The spine is dynamic. It’s moving all the time,” said Sabino D’Agostino, DO, a spine-focused neurosurgeon with Lowcountry Orthopaedics. “Because it’s constantly in motion, the spine naturally experiences wear and tear over decades like any moving part in a machine.”
One of the most common age-related changes is disc desiccation. “When we’re young, spinal discs are hydrated and bouncy, and they act like shock absorbers. Over time, those discs dry out, which can lead to stiffness and aching throughout the neck or back,” he explained.
Degenerative Disc Disease and Bone Health
Disc desiccation, tears and inflammation are age-related problems that contribute to degenerative disc disease, which can lead to loss of height, pain and nerve problems. Bone health also plays a significant role. Osteopenia, also called pre-osteoporosis, and osteoporosis weaken and make bones more brittle, increasing the risk of fracture. These conditions are more common in women, but men are not immune.
Prevention: Habits That Protect Spine Health
Prevention can start at any age. “Exercise is so important,” Dr. D’Agostino emphasized. “Ideally lifelong, but even if you get started in your 50s, something as simple as regular walking can make a real difference.”
Daily habits over decades matter more than most people realize. Dr. D’Agostino said the most significant factors in spine health are not what you do but what you don’t do; specifically, don’t smoke, don’t let diabetes go unmanaged and don’t carry excess weight. Smoking dramatically accelerates spinal aging. Poorly controlled diabetes affects tissue health and healing. Excess weight adds mechanical strain, similar to what it does to knees and hips.
On the positive side, low-impact movements such as walking, cycling or even walking with a lightly weighted vest for short periods support bone density and spinal function without excessive joint stress.
Warning Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
While some aches are part of life, certain symptoms should never be ignored. New numbness, tingling or focal weakness in an arm, hand, leg or foot warrants evaluation. “If one muscle group suddenly feels weak while everything else is fine, there’s usually a reason, and it could be a pinched nerve,” he noted.
Lumbar Stenosis and Mobility
Another common but often overlooked age-related condition is lumbar stenosis, a gradual accumulation of degeneration and arthritis that narrows the spinal canal in the lower back. It can cause leg cramps, weakness and difficulty walking short distances and is often relieved by leaning forward. “People say, ‘I thought I was just getting old,’” he said. “But this is a problem that can be treated.” Surgical decompression can dramatically improve mobility and quality of life.
Cervical Stenosis and Hand Coordination
A similar issue in the neck, cervical stenosis, can affect hand strength, balance and coordination. Many patients, especially women, notice worsening handwriting or trouble picking up small objects. These changes are frequently attributed to aging, but they may signal a solvable spinal issue.
Treatment Options and Aging Well
Dr. D’Agostino’s philosophy on spine health is reassuring: Treat your spine like the tires on a car; get as much safe use as possible before replacing anything. When intervention is needed, today’s treatments, from targeted surgery to techniques that strengthen fragile bones, can restore function and independence.
Aging is inevitable, but pain and loss of independence don’t have to be. With awareness, healthy habits and timely care, your spine can continue to support an active, fulfilling lifestyle for years to come.
By Anne Toole
