Mindful Aging and Your Back

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Dr. Vokshoor and INI staff presented “Mindful Aging and Your Back” at a session of the Free Summer Education Series hosted by West Hills Hospital & Medical Center in collaboration with Belmont Village - Calabasas.

Date: August 14th, 2019

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Town Hall, 2nd Floor

Our spines change as we age, and Dr. Vokshoor provided an in-depth look at what those changes and related symptoms are. Along with an overview of the various treatment options, both invasive and noninvasive, Dr. Vokshoor also reviewed ways to keep your back healthy as you age.


 

Summary

The US population is aging, with adults over the age of 65 expected to outnumber children by 2060! About 80% of adults experience back pain, and 20% of those affected develop chronic back pain.

Symptoms of an aging spine are experienced differently for every patient, but commonly include pain and numbness.

After many years of use, the natural loads on the spine result in wear and tear. Common diagnoses are:

  • Disc degeneration / tear / herniation

  • Osteophyte formation

  • Facet arthrosis

  • Stenosis

  • Spondylolisthesis

  • Deformity (kyphosis/scoliosis)

Disc Degeneration.jpg

Surgical treatments include:

  • Fusion

  • Decompression

  • Stabilization

Advancements in the field of spine surgery include:

  • Biologics

  • Expandable / resorbable / 3D printed implants

  • Nano surfaces

  • Use of robotics

  • Minimally invasive surgery

Natural aging is expected, but more plastic than previously thought. There are known ways to help prevent additional degeneration:

  • Nutrition

  • Exercise

  • Sleep hygiene

  • Mentation

The painful symptoms of spinal and neural degeneration can be modulated without invasive intervention. A balanced lifestyle committed to a constant state of training and recovery can lead to your optimal state of health as you age.