Your spine bears the brunt of all the movements that you make and the certain changes that take place in your body as you age.
By 35 years of age, about 30 percent of people will experience some degree of disc degeneration, albeit they don’t necessarily develop symptoms. Degenerative disc disease occurs when the discs in your spinal column start to dry out, shrink, and gradually lose their ability to protect it from physical stress.
The good news is that you can take proactive measures to protect the health of your spine and prevent degenerative disc disease. Consider these tips to help you make sure your spine is always in tip-top condition.
· Exercise regularly.
Regular cardiovascular exercise can help maintain spine health, as it increases the efficiency of the circulatory system. Improved blood circulation can boost the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the spine, facilitating repair and maintenance.
However, strenuous physical activities—especially those that involve lifting objects or bending your back—can put additional stress on your spine and potentially worsen disc deterioration. It helps to gradually increase the intensity of your exercises or, if you’re already have back problems, just avoid high-intensity exercises completely.
· Keep a healthy weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight has been widely known for its beneficial effects, especially on the health of your spine.
Your excess body weight increases the load that your spine needs to support. This eventually accelerates the deterioration of your discs.
If you are overweight or obese, it pays to make behavioral and lifestyle changes—such as making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity—that are conducive to weight loss. It also proves prudent to work with your doctor to create a safe and effective weight loss/weight management plan.
· Avoid Smoking
You must’ve heard time and time again how smoking can be detrimental to your health. In particular, smoking reduces the efficiency of the circulatory system, thereby limiting the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the vertebral discs. Limited oxygen and nutrient supply to your discs can accelerate disc degeneration.
Degenerative Disc Disease Treatment In Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, TN
If you suspect that you have degenerative disc disease, visit us at Watauga Orthopaedics for a comprehensive evaluation. If we determine that you’re in need of prompt disc degenerative disease treatment, we have a dynamic team of orthopedic doctors who focus on providing exceptional spine care.
Our orthopedic doctors leverage their expertise and cutting-edge technology to deliver the best patient care and experience possible. We also have highly qualified physical therapists who collaborate with our physicians to devise a treatment plan that will fully address your needs.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (423) 282-9011 or use this appointment request form. We hope to see you soon!
