When you think of spinal degeneration, you might assume it’s something that only affects older people. However, young adults can also experience spinal degeneration for various reasons. Let’s explore what causes this condition in young adults, its symptoms, treatments, and potential cures.
Many young adults, especially women, may develop spinal degenerative disorders without realizing it. Some experience symptoms that can cause significant discomfort. One common cause is degenerative disc disease, which involves tears in the tissue surrounding the vertebrae. These tears often go unnoticed, but for some, they lead to persistent pain requiring medical attention.
A study of young women in their twenties found that 31% had degenerative disc disease, which worsened over time. Another study of individuals under 21 revealed that 76 out of 1,877 participants had the disease, with 31 also experiencing radiculopathy, a condition where nerves in the spine are compressed.
Spinal degeneration isn’t rare among young adults, but what causes it? Degenerative disc disease is a leading cause, resulting from the wear and tear of spinal discs. Factors include the drying out of disc tissue with age, tears from sports or exercise, and back injuries.
Spinal stenosis occurs when there’s insufficient space in the backbone, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It’s most common in the lower back and neck. While some people have no symptoms, others experience pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. If untreated, these symptoms can worsen, and severe cases may require decompression surgery to relieve pressure.
Osteoarthritis, though rare in young adults, can develop from joint damage due to daily activities. While the body often repairs this damage, some people experience symptoms. Osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of protective cartilage, leading to pain, swelling, and limited movement. Bone spurs can also form, causing additional swelling.
Factors increasing the risk of arthritis in young adults include joint injuries, existing conditions like gout or rheumatoid arthritis, genetics, obesity, and gender, with women being more prone.
A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher exterior. This can happen anywhere in the spine but is most common in the lower back, causing pain, numbness, and limb weakness. Sometimes, herniated discs are symptomless and can heal naturally.
Spondylolisthesis is when a vertebra slips out of place, causing pain. Treatments include physiotherapy, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory painkillers, but surgery may be necessary in severe cases. It’s most common in the lower back.
Scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves to one side, can affect people of any age but often develops in children aged 10 to 15. While many cases are mild and require no treatment, severe cases can lead to spinal degeneration.
Spinal decompression and fusion surgery is common for conditions like spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs. However, traditional surgery can limit spinal mobility due to bone fusion. Many doctors now recommend the Tops system, which helps maintain full mobility in the back.
