Back pain - age factors

Most people age 50 and older have experienced low back pain. This is caused by age-related wear and tear of the spinal disks, joints, and other spinal structures. As we age, the soft disks between the vertebrae dry out and start to bulge and can rupture. This condition is called disk herniation. Arthritis of the spine causes the bones and ligaments of the spine to thicken and grow larger. Arthritis and herniated disks can contribute to spinal stenosis, which is narrowing of the spinal column. This causes pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves that leave the spinal column. These age-related changes to the spine can cause pain, weakness, or numbness.

Review Date: 4/1/2025
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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