Suffering from back pain can leave you feeling sore, stiff and frustrated no matter how many methods of treatment you have pursued. When the spinal cord compresses, the vertebrae that are part of the spinal column may pinch nerves in the spinal column, or squeeze the flexible discs that provide a cushion space between vertebrae. Excessive standing, lifting and repetitive motions like pounding or colliding will all cause the spinal cord to compress. So what is the culprit with compression and what can you do to fight against it?
Top Common Cause: Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and mainly affects older adults. Osteoarthritis is caused by cartilage, a rubber-like material at the end of your bones in your joints, breaking down and no longer being able to provide cushion. This can occur in any joint in your body, but is most common in your back, neck, hips, knees and hands.
The spinal column, which houses the spinal cord, is the main weight bearing structure in the human body. As cartilage begins to break down in your spinal column, osteoarthritis sets in. As your body goes through cycles of damage and repair, the structure of your spinal column may also change, resulting in further osteoarthritis.
Effects Of “Sitting Disease” On Your Spine
With so many desk jobs, long commutes, and the average three hours of watching T.V. a day, adults are spending more time in a stationary position than ever before. Sitting disease is really a term for a few dozen diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle. These diseases are probably common to you, but you may not have realized the effect sitting in one position has on yourself. Around 34 diseases are linked to excessive sitting, some of which are diabetes, cancer, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
It is estimated that the average adult only stands and is active for roughly three hours out of their day. This leaves you 21 hours left of sitting and lying down! When sitting for so long, your spine doesn’t have the chance to stretch or flex. Sitting for extended periods of time can lead to a stiff, sore back and neck, atrophied muscles and ligaments in the spinal column and slower blood supply. Sitting also forces your body to be constantly under pressure, which creates an enormous amount of stress on your joints.
Most Common Symptoms Of Spinal Compression
Spinal compression is most noticeable by the numbness, soreness, pain and in some cases, tingling you may experience. If you are someone who stays in one position for long periods of time, your spine is certainly under some form of stress due to compression. Other signs of spinal compression include:
- Back and neck pain
- Sciatica pain
- Loss of sensation in your feet
- Decreased hand-eye coordination
- Weakness in arms, legs and hands
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should pursue treatment, even if only to rule out spinal compression as a culprit. If you are someone who sits for a long period of time and has back aches, pain, or weakness performing normal movements, you may be suffering from spinal compression and at risk of sitting disease complications.
Spinal Decompression Therapy Treatment In Keller
Spinal compression is a condition that can be treated and prevented. Living an intentionally active lifestyle will do great things for your health, but if you are already experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, call Keller Disc and Spine located in Keller, Texas to make an appointment with our team today. We will be able to provide support and discuss treatment options to get your spine feeling great and leave you with experienced proven results.