Long hours at the computer and a lack of exercise can take a toll on your spine. This can cause wear and tear of the spine to occur sooner than later. Sometimes strenuous activities or injuries can compound the degenerative process of the spine.
Degenerative spine conditions may come in three stages. The first affects mainly those in the 20 to 40 age group. In this early stage of degeneration, only the intervertebral disc - the structure between the two adjacent bodies - is affected. The second stage affects those aged 40 and above. Together with the disc degeneration, the facet joints also become degenerated and enlarged. This results in the spinal canal becoming very narrow, and causing Spinal Canal Stenosis. The other condition is Degenerative Spondylolisthesis. This occurs when the facet joints become very worn out and can no longer provide the stability that holds the segments together. The third stage of degeneration affect those aged 60 years and above. This is when there is loss of bone substance, affecting mainly post menopausal women, resulting in the bone becoming very fragile. This condition is called Osteoporosis.
Warning signs include weakness, numbness or tingling, loss of bladder and bowel control, persistent pain on neck movement and pain that radiates down the arms.
Cheah Ui-Hoon
